Bluffton Guardianship and Conservatorship Lawyer

When is Guardianship or Conservatorship Needed?

These legal tools are often used when:

  • An elderly parent develops dementia or Alzheimer’s

  • A disabled child turns 18 and still needs care and oversight

  • A loved one suffers a serious accident or illness that leaves them unable to manage their affairs

  • Family disputes arise over who should make decisions

Our Approach

Guardianship and conservatorship can feel intimidating, but you don’t have to face the process alone. We work closely with families to:

  • Explain your options clearly

  • File the necessary court petitions and documents

  • Represent you in hearings

  • Provide ongoing support as circumstances change

At LowcoTerra Law Firm, we handle these matters with the care and respect your loved ones deserve.

Every situation is unique. Whether you are preparing ahead or responding to an urgent need, our team is here to guide you through the process with compassion and experience.

Want to learn more? Contact us today or schedule your complimentary discovery call to learn how we can help protect your loved one’s well-being and financial security.

Protecting Loved Ones When They Cannot Protect Themselves

When a loved one is no longer able to make decisions for themselves — whether due to age, illness, or disability — families often turn to the courts for help. Guardianships and conservatorships provide a legal way to protect vulnerable individuals, ensuring their health, safety, and financial well-being are safeguarded.

At LowcoTerra Law Firm, we guide families through these delicate matters with clarity, compassion, and respect. Our goal is to help you protect your loved one while minimizing stress, conflict, and confusion.

What is Guardianship?

A guardianship gives a trusted person the legal authority to make personal, medical, and day-to-day care decisions for someone who is unable to do so on their own. This may include:

  • Choosing healthcare providers and treatment options

  • Deciding on living arrangements

  • Ensuring personal needs, safety, and well-being are metHowever, the complexity of these matters can lead to expensive fees and long delays of years or more before the assets are distributed. As creditors’ interests also factor into the division of assets, probate risks becoming a court case you file for the benefit of the decedent’s creditors.

What is Conservatorship?

A conservatorship grants authority to manage another person’s financial affairs. This may include:

  • Paying bills and managing income

  • Handling investments and property

  • Protecting assets from mismanagement or exploitation

In some cases, families may need both a guardianship and a conservatorship to ensure full protection.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Not necessarily. Some assets avoid probate automatically, including:

    1. Jointly owned property with rights of survivorship

    2. Assets with designated beneficiaries (like life insurance or retirement accounts)

    3. Assets titled in a living trust

    Small estates under $25,000 (with no real estate) may qualify for a simpler procedure called Small Estate Administration.

  • The best way to make things easier is to plan ahead. This might include:

    1. Creating a clear, updated will

    2. Setting up a living trust

    3. Naming beneficiaries on accounts

    4. Keeping your documents organized

    5. Talking to your family about your wishes.

  • It varies, but most probates in South Carolina take about 9–12 months. More complex estates can take longer, especially if there are:

    1. Multiple beneficiaries

    2. Disagreements among heirs

    3. Unclear or contested wills

    4. Significant debts or tax issues

Ready to Get Started?

Contact Us.

hello@lowcoterra.com
(843) 593-8182

10 State Road S-7-50
Bluffton, SC 29910