If you know someone who, because of a disability, can no longer manage their money or make decisions about their personal or medical care, that person may need a court-appointed Guardian or Conservator. In the case of a minor, a Conservator must be appointed in certain cases when the minor is entitled to receive a sum of money from an insurance settlement, inheritance, etc.

In South Carolina a Guardian handles personal and custodial matters for an incapacitated adult. The incapacity may be due to mental illness, mental deficiency, physical illness or disability, advanced age, chronic use of drugs or alcohol, or other causes, except minority. A Guardian must decide where the person will live and make provisions for his/her care, comfort and maintenance, including mental and health care decisions. A court appointed Guardian must make yearly reports to the Probate Court regarding the condition of their ward. Guardians for minors are designated by the Family Court.

A Conservator manages financial affairs or property for an incapacitated adult or for a minor. The Conservator must manage and protect the property, and report periodically to the court about the assets, receipts and disbursements of the estate. No expenditures can occur without written Court order. If you are appointed conservator by the Court, it will be your responsibility to dutifully handle the financial situation of the protected person as stipulated by the Court. A bond insures that the conservator carries out his duties faithfully and appropriately. The bond is based on the total value of the protected person's personal property (excluding real estate), plus estimated income. In general, this court assumes that property value will increase at five (5%) percent per year; this percentage may be raised or lowered if it is not appropriate under the circumstances.

Adults: The bond is equal to105% of the non-real estate property of the protected person; the bond must be renewed annually and the amount of the bond can be adjusted as necessary. For example, if the protected person has property worth $10,000, the bond would be $10,000 plus $500 income, or $10,500.

Minors: The bond is equal to the value of the non-real estate property of the protected minor plus 5% of that amount for each year until the child reaches age 18. For example, if a 10 year old child has property worth $10,000, the bond would be $10,000 plus $500 income per year for 8 years until he reaches age 18, or $14,000.

Contact an attorney who practices in the Probate Court. Lawyer's fees can vary depending on the circumstances and complexity of the case. A lawyer must also be appointed to represent the allegedly incapacitated adult.

Guardianship: A Guardian is appointed after a hearing where testimony from family, a physician and licensed social worker indicate that the person is in need of a Guardian to assist in his/her personal care. All prospective Guardians must review an educational video on the process.

Conservatorship - Adult and Minor: A Conservator is appointed after a hearing where various professionals indicate that the medical and social status of the allegedly incapacitated adult requires a Conservator. All prospective Conservators must review an educational video on the process.

Filing fees are set by law and must be paid to the Court. If a Guardian and/or Conservator is appointed, the fees are generally paid from the estate of the protected person. Attorneys, examiners, visitors and others may be entitled to reasonable compensation for services as determined by the Court.

The Guardian or Conservator will be discharged. The Personal Representative of the estate will then take over the management of the financial affairs from the Conservator.

A Special Conservator or Guardian may be appointed by the Court in such emergency situations. You may not "quit" as Guardian or Conservator, but you may have someone else petition the Court to be appointed Successor Guardian or Conservator of the protected person.

If a Health Care Power of Attorney exists, a guardianship may be avoided. If a patient is able to consent to care under the Adult Health Care Consent Act, a guardianship may not be necessary. A conservatorship may not be necessary if the adult's only cash asset is a monthly Social Security check. Or, if the adult's only asset, other than monthly Social Security checks, is real property and no changes are proposed for the property at this time. If a Durable Power of Attorney exists, a conservatorship may be avoided.