When faced with life changing issues, you should have access to a trained professional to assist you with making decisions that will have life-long ramifications.
What You Need to Know
Guardianship vs. Conservatorship: What’s the Difference?
Guardianship and conservatorship are two legal tools used to support individuals who can no longer care for themselves — but they serve different functions. A guardianship gives someone the authority to make personal decisions for another person, such as where they live or what kind of medical care they receive. A conservatorship, on the other hand, grants legal control over that person’s financial affairs, like managing income, paying bills, or handling property. Sometimes, both roles are necessary and can be held by the same person or divided between two people. In South Carolina, these roles require court approval, clear documentation, and ongoing oversight. We help you determine which arrangement is right for your situation and walk you through each step of the legal process with care and clarity.
Signs It’s Time to Consider Guardianship
Making the decision to seek guardianship or conservatorship is never easy. Often, families come to us after noticing signs that a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs — whether due to age, illness, disability, or cognitive decline. Missed bills, unexplained financial decisions, memory issues, or declining health may signal that someone needs support. In the case of a minor, it may be the loss or incapacity of a parent that triggers action. These situations are emotionally charged and often complex, but they’re also moments when stepping in can truly protect someone’s safety and well-being. If you're noticing these warning signs and wondering what to do next, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the appropriate legal steps with confidence.
Meet the Attorney
Dennis M. Gerald has been serving the people of South Carolina with integrity and dedication since 1989. A Columbia native and proud graduate of the University of South Carolina, Dennis founded The Gerald Law Firm to provide clients with personalized, principled legal representation during some of life’s most sensitive and significant moments.
Over the years, Dennis’s practice has evolved to reflect his passion for service and his deep understanding of the legal issues that matter most to families and individuals. Today, The Gerald Law Firm focuses exclusively on estate planning, probate administration, guardianships and conservatorships, and adoption law.
Whether guiding clients through the loss of a loved one, helping prepare for the future, or celebrating the formation of new families, Dennis approaches every case with clarity, compassion, and confidence built over decades of practice.
