The Hon. Matthew P. Turner is a judge for the 8th Judicial Circuit Family Court of South Carolina. He was elected to the bench by the South Carolina General Assembly on February 7, 2018, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon Joseph W. McGowan, III.
The 8th Judicial Circuit includes Abbeville, Greenwood, Newberry, and Laurens Counties.
Prior to his election, Turner practiced alongside his father at Turner & Burney, P.C. in Laurens since 2003, where he handled civil, criminal, and family law matters. During that time, he also served as general counsel for the Laurens Commission of Public Works (2013 to 2018).
Turner received a B.S. in business administration from the University of South Carolina in 2000. He then completed a J.D. at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 2003.
His memberships include the South Carolina Bar, the Laurens County Bar (past president), the Greenville County Bar, the South Carolina Association for Justice, and the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Turner was also involved with the Laurens Mental Health Association Board, the Joe R. Adair Outdoor Education Center, the Straight Street Youth Ministry, and the YMCA of Greater Laurens.
He was born in Laurens County, South Carolina, where he graduated from Laurens High School. Turner and his wife, Megan, have twin sons. The family attends First Baptist Church of Laurens. In his free time, Turner enjoys spending time with family, college sports, and hunting.