Charleston Probate Judge outlines estate-planning options, civil-commitment process and local resources

Probate Judge Irv Condon of Charleston County reviewed how the county probate court handles estates, guardianships and involuntary civil commitments and highlighted local resources to help families with estate planning and elder-care issues.

Condon said probate court has jurisdiction over adult guardianships (care of the person) and conservatorships (management of money), and that family court handles guardianship matters for minors. He summarized basic estate‑planning documents — wills, durable (financial) powers of attorney, health‑care powers of attorney, declarations of desire for natural death (living wills), and revocable living trusts — and urged people to consult attorneys to confirm how assets are titled and whether items are probate or non‑probate transfers.

Condon explained why powers of attorney and health‑care proxies can help families avoid expensive conservatorship proceedings, and gave specific procedural details for probating estates in South Carolina: summary proceedings for small estates (under $25,000 with no real estate), normal administration that typically takes nine to ten months because of creditor notice requirements, a 90‑day deadline to file an inventory and…