Late to Pickup? Same. But Here’s the Bigger Problem…
- Lindsay Pitcher
- Dec 12, 2025
- 2 min read
We’ve all been there. You’re scrambling to get to school pickup on time because you refuse to be that parent whose kid is sitting in the office with a backpack and a juice box waiting for rescue.
Yep. That was me this week.
And as if that wasn’t defeating enough, Sawyer then hits me with:“Mommy… who picks me up if you get stuck at work forever?”
Sir, please. I’m five minutes late and just trying to survive Tuesday.
But his question was a good reminder: most parents of young kids have no legal guardians named. And in South Carolina, if something unexpected happens, the court decides who raises your babies — not you.
Before the Long Term… Let’s Talk About the Right Now
It’s not just about long-term “what if” planning. Think about this: both mom and dad get into a car accident and end up in the hospital. Naturally, you assume your sister can just go pick up your kids from school.
Right?
Wrong.
Unless you have clearly and legally named guardians, your children could be taken into DSS (Department of Social Services) custody — even temporarily. And I think every parent agrees: that is absolutely not what you want, even for a few hours.
Our Kids CARE Plan legally names your short-term guardians so there’s no confusion about who can step in immediately to care for your children. It answers one essential question: Who has the legal authority to protect your kids and make medical decisions for them if you’re not able to?
The Long Game: Who Guides Your Kids If You Can’t?
Short-term planning tells the court who should step in right away. Long-term planning answers the bigger question: Who actually raises your kids if you’re not here?
That’s where the Kids CARE Plan or your estate plan comes in. You get to choose the people who share your values, can provide stability, and can give your children a home that feels familiar. Without naming long-term guardians, the court makes that call for you — and no parent wants that.
So What Happens Next?
I’m always amazed by how many parents of young children haven’t done any estate planning yet. You may think you’re the exception, but in reality, you’re the norm. We want to change that. Every parent deserves a plan that reflects their wishes for their kids — not whatever default rules the state uses.
If you’re in the “no plan yet” group, it’s completely okay. You’re not behind. Just take one small step: schedule a 15-minute consult with our team. We’ll explain how everything works and help you choose the right next step for your family.
If you already have a plan — amazing. Now let’s make sure it holds up in the real world. We’re happy to review what you have and confirm everything is current, coordinated, and ready to work when your family needs it.
Schedule your quick consult and we’ll get you on your way toward clarity, confidence, and — honestly — immediate relief and peace of mind.
With love,
Christie
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