By Palmetto State Auditor Staff
MANNING, S.C. — Clarendon County residents will soon have improved access to civil legal help, thanks to an initiative led by Shanita Brangman, Clarendon County Clerk of Court.
Beginning January 16, 2026, South Carolina Legal Services (SCLS) will operate a physical, in-person location inside the Clarendon County Courthouse, offering monthly appointments to eligible residents. Representatives from SCLS will be on site once per month, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., by appointment only.
Brangman said the move responds directly to community concerns about barriers to legal help—particularly difficulty navigating the online application process or accessing a legal representative at all. To help bridge that gap, an intake specialist will be present during courthouse service days to assist individuals who need help completing the qualifying application.
“I’ve listened to your concerns,” Brangman said, noting that this expansion is meant to make legal services more accessible while still following SCLS eligibility requirements.
Important requirements and clarifications
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Residents must apply online first to determine income eligibility.
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All appointments are scheduled by South Carolina Legal Services, not the Clerk of Court’s Office.
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While SCLS will be housed in the courthouse, the organization is not affiliated with Clarendon County government offices.
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SCLS does not assist with criminal matters.
SCLS provides assistance with a wide range of civil (non-criminal) legal issues, including custody and child support, divorce and certain domestic matters, debt collection and repossessions, housing disputes, consumer issues and bankruptcy, education matters, federal income tax issues, probate, public benefits, and assistance for migrant farm workers.
County officials say the development is especially significant because Clarendon County has not had an assigned, in-person legal services representative in 26 years. Brangman emphasized that the service was secured through sustained effort and urged residents to use it so the opportunity is not lost.
South Carolina Legal Services offers free legal assistance to eligible low-income South Carolinians and does not discriminate based on disability or any protected class. Its mission is to ensure full and fair access to justice across the state.
Residents can apply online, check eligibility, or learn more by visiting www.sclegal.org or calling 1-(888)-346-5592. Monthly courthouse schedules will be published as soon as they are finalized.
