Elder Law Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC

Elder Law Attorneys in Myrtle Beach, SC

Elder law attorneys handle the legal side of aging — estate planning, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, Medicaid planning, guardianship, and long-term care strategy. In South Carolina the rules are state-specific, and the firms below all practice locally in the Myrtle Beach and Grand Strand area.

When to call an elder law attorney

• Before a hospitalization, dementia diagnosis, or move to assisted living — planning early gives you the most options.
• When you need a durable power of attorney and healthcare power of attorney for an aging parent who is still competent.
• When long-term care costs are likely to exceed assets — Medicaid planning has a 60-month look-back, so timing matters.
• When there's a blended family, a special-needs child, or out-of-state property complicating the estate.
• When a loved one already lacks capacity and you need to pursue guardianship or conservatorship in South Carolina probate court.

For a deeper walkthrough of the triggers and timing, see our local guide on when to hire an elder law attorney in South Carolina.

What a basic SC estate plan typically includes

• Last will and testament (and, in some cases, a revocable living trust)
• Durable power of attorney for financial decisions
• Healthcare power of attorney and a living will (advance directive)
• HIPAA authorization so the agent can talk to doctors

Typical cost in South Carolina

Hourly rates run $250 – $450. A flat-fee basic estate planning package usually runs $1,500 – $3,500. Medicaid planning engagements run $3,500 – $10,000+ depending on whether trusts, annuities, or asset re-titling are needed. For how Medicaid fits with care costs, see the Myrtle Beach senior care cost guide and the paying for care guide.

How to choose

1. Look for an attorney who focuses on elder law specifically — not a general practitioner. Membership in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is a useful signal.
2. Bring a clear list of your current assets, income, and family situation to the first meeting; flat-fee quotes depend on it.
3. Ask whether the attorney has handled SC Medicaid applications directly — not all estate planners do.