Guardianship lawyers for when a parent can no longer manage, and there is no power of attorney.
If your mother or father can no longer handle their own affairs and never signed a power of attorney, your family may have to ask a court for the authority to help. We guide you through it, calmly and step by step.
Why families end up in court
No power of attorney means no one has the legal right to step in.
Many families only find out when it is already needed. A parent’s memory or health changes, the bills stop getting paid, a bank or care home asks who has authority, and the answer is nobody.
Without a power of attorney in place, the family usually has to go to court and ask for a guardian or conservator to be appointed. We handle guardianship and conservatorship for families who need legal help when a loved one can no longer manage their affairs.
If your parent can still understand and sign documents, a power of attorney may be an option instead. We will talk it through at your free consultation.
Without a plan, and with one
What changes when someone has the authority to help.
Everyone wants to help. No one is allowed to.
- Banks and care providers will not deal with family members
- Bills, benefits and property decisions on hold
- Relatives unsure who should be in charge
- A court process the family has never been through
Someone trusted can act, with the court’s backing.
- A guardian or conservator with legal authority
- Care, money and property decisions can move forward
- Clear duties, explained in plain words
- A family that knows who is responsible
How we help
Legal help when a loved one can no longer manage their affairs.
Guardianship
When a parent can no longer make personal decisions, such as about care or where they live.
Conservatorship
When someone needs to manage a parent’s money and property on their behalf.
Planning ahead instead
If a parent can still sign, powers of attorney and advance directives may avoid court altogether.
How it works
What working with us looks like.
- Step
Free consultation
Tell us what has happened. We explain your options, including whether guardianship is needed at all.
- Step
We prepare the paperwork
We prepare and file what the court needs, and keep you updated in plain language.
- Step
We guide you through the court process
We stand with your family through each step until the court makes its decision, and explain what comes next.
In our clients’ words
What clients say about working with us.
Bobby Sawyer is the standard. Not only do we refer clients to him routinely, but we trust Bobby with our own family’s estate needs.
My husband had a phone consultation with Joe and he was phenomenal. He answered all questions and gave insight unto the next steps. We would recommend him and this firm to anyone in need of estate/probate planning.
Thank you for thoroughly answering my questions and giving me the peace I needed to move forward. Rich was professional and very knowledgeable. I’m definitely glad I took advantage of the free consultation. It was extremely helpful.
Client reviews as published on sawyer-law.com.
Who you will work with
Attorneys who explain every step.
Bobby Sawyer
Attorney
Bobby Sawyer is an Attorney at Sawyer & Associates, LLC where he focuses on estate planning, business law, and helping families put the proper tools in place to ensure the continuation of their legacies. A former U.S. Army Corps of Engineers platoon leader and Bronze Star recipient, Bobby brings a deep sense of leadership, dedication, and a client-focused approach to every matter he handles.
We serve clients in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Nick Wilson
Attorney
Part of the Sawyer & Associates attorney team.
Offices
Guardianship attorneys near you.
Main line 803-274-1095, answered 24/7. Email hello@sawyer-law.com.
Charlotte, NC 28202
252-271-0830
Fort Mill, SC 29708
803-598-0082
Lake Wylie, SC 29710
Columbia, SC 29201
803-619-0048
Franklin, TN 37067
615-570-9901
Questions
What families ask us first.
When does a family need guardianship?
Usually when an adult can no longer manage their own affairs and there is no power of attorney or other plan in place that lets someone act for them.
What is the difference between guardianship and conservatorship?
Broadly, guardianship covers personal decisions, such as care and where someone lives, and conservatorship covers money and property. The exact terms differ from state to state, and we explain how it works where your parent lives.
Can we avoid going to court?
Sometimes. If your parent can still understand and sign documents, a power of attorney may be an option. We will tell you honestly at the free consultation.
How long does it take?
It depends on the court and your family’s situation. We will explain what to expect for your case at the start.
I want to name a guardian for my children. Is this the right page?
That is part of a will. See our wills and trusts page.
Is the consultation really free?
Yes. Your first consultation is free and confidential, and there is no obligation to go ahead. You can meet us at one of our offices or talk by phone.
Free consultation
Talk to a guardianship lawyer, free.
Tell us a little about what has happened and we will call you back. Everything you tell us is confidential.
Calls answered 24/7.
- Free, confidential consultation
- English, Spanish and Portuguese
- Offices in NC, SC and TN