Atty. Michael Joseph Polk
Mike’s practice focuses on probate administration and litigation, estate planning for individuals, and enforcing creditor’s rights in bankruptcy court and state court. Mike has appeared at virtually every level of court in South Carolina, from the Magistrate’s Court to the South Carolina Supreme Court.
Profile Summary
About Michael Joseph Polk at a glance
Michael Joseph Polk is an Attorney based in Columbia, South Carolina, practicing at Belser Law Firm. They have 32+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1994. Their practice focuses on probate, estate planning, business, bankruptcy, and litigation. Admitted to practice in South Carolina (1994), U.S. District Court, District of South Carolina (1996), and U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth Circuit (1997). Educated at University of South Carolina (J.D., 1994) and Virginia Tech (B.S., 1987). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of South Carolina Bar (Member, Elder Law Committee) American Bar Association (Member, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section) South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association. Serands clients in Columbia, SC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
Want to Get Service From This Attorney?
Sign up free and choose one of the two methods below.
Have a legal question? Sign up free, submit it through the Ask the Attorney module and receive a focused answer from a specialist.
- Free to ask a question
- Answers from specialist attorneys
- Optional private / anonymous question
Request an online video meeting or an in-person consultation at the attorney's office. Pick a time that works for you and share the details securely.
- Online video meeting
- In-person at the attorney's office
- Secure messaging and payment
About
- Mike’s practice focuses on probate administration and litigation, estate planning for individuals, and enforcing creditor’s rights in bankruptcy court and state court
- Mike has appeared at virtually every level of court in South Carolina, from the Magistrate’s Court to the South Carolina Supreme Court
- Mike has spoken at many seminars over the years for other lawyers and members of the public
- He served as the Richland County Probate Court Liaison for several years, and he worked for several years on the Probate Code Revision Committee and the Power of Attorney Subcommittee
- Mike has been a member of the South Carolina Bar Elder Law Committee and is the former chair of the CLE subcommittee and co-chair of the Elder Law Month Task Force
- Mike is also the author of the blog, www.palmettoprobate.info Mike has also served an Associate Editor of the South Carolina Bankruptcy Law Association newsletter, the Disclosure Statement, and has spoken at numerous seminars on bankruptcy matters
- Born in San Angelo, Texas in 1965, Mike spent parts of his childhood in Edison, New Jersey
- Highstown, New Jersey
- Macon, Georgia
- and Burke, Virginia
- A 1983 graduate of Lake Braddock High School in Northern Virginia, Mike attended Virginia Tech on a Navy ROTC scholarship, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets
- After graduating from Virginia Tech with a degree in management in 1987, Mike attended the Surface Warfare Officer School and Communications Officer School in Newport, Rhode Island
- He was then stationed in Charleston, South Carolina aboard the USS Jesse L. Brown, FF-1089, where he served as First Lieutenant and Communications Officer/CMS Custodian
- Mike entered the University of South Carolina School of Law after being honorably discharged in 1991
- While in Law School, Mike was a Member of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Journal, winning the Service Award as a third year law student
- After passing the Bar Exam in 1994, he practiced law for one year with Kenneth G. Goode and Associates in Winnsboro, South Carolina before joining Belser & Belser
- Mike is on the board of the Columbia Council of the Navy League
- He is the Secretary/Treasurer of the Richland County Bar Association and is co-Editor of the Richbar News
- He was recently named the chair of the revived South Carolina Bar Technology Committee
- Member, University of South Carolina Real Property Probate and Trust Journal
- Secretary, Columbia Kiwanis Club
- Chairman, Richland County Bar Probate Committee
- Member, South Carolina Probate Code Revision Committee
- Board member, South Carolina Red Cross Blood Services
- Council President, Navy League Columbia Council
Practice Areas Explained
Michael Joseph Polk's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Joseph Polk handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Michael Joseph Polk is one of 128,014 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in South Carolina →
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Michael Joseph Polk is one of 226,536 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in South Carolina →
Business attorneys advise founders and growing companies on entity formation, contracts, financing, M&A, and dispute resolution.
Michael Joseph Polk is one of 501,317 business attorneys indexed nationally. Browse business attorneys in South Carolina →
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Michael Joseph Polk is one of 105,321 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in South Carolina →
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael Joseph Polk is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in South Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why local counsel matters in South Carolina
Practicing law in South Carolina. Legal matters in South Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Columbia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate South Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in South Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in South Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Looking for additional South Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Columbia or all attorneys in South Carolina.
Frequently Asked
Common questions about Michael Joseph Polk
Where is Michael Joseph Polk's law office located?
What practice areas does Michael Joseph Polk handle?
How long has Michael Joseph Polk practiced law?
Where did Michael Joseph Polk go to law school?
How can I contact Michael Joseph Polk for a consultation?
What awards or recognition has Michael Joseph Polk received?
Practice Areas
Education
Awards
Bar Admissions
Reviews
No reviews yet.