Child-centeredThe child's welfare stays at the heart of every step.
Child-centered advocacy · Sumter, South Carolina
A steady advocate when a child needs to be heard.
The Hope Advocate provides thoughtful, independent guardian ad litem representation grounded in compassion, careful investigation, and a commitment to the child's best interests.
Private appointments · Family court matters · Confidential inquiries
GuidanceCompassionIntegrity
Trauma-informedEvery person is treated with patience, dignity, and care.
IndependentThorough investigation supports candid recommendations.
About the firm
Meet the advocate
Advocacy shaped by service, careful listening, and respect.
Attorney Ashley Curtis founded The Hope Advocate to offer children and families steady, thoughtful guidance through difficult family court matters.
Her experience includes service as a United States Air Force veteran and work as a South Carolina judicial law clerk. She brings a court-informed perspective, a trauma-aware approach, and a deep commitment to treating every person with dignity.
South Carolina attorneyU.S. Air Force veteranJudicial experience
“Children deserve an advocate who will listen carefully, investigate thoroughly, and speak with both courage and compassion.”
Private GAL services
Focused representation
A clear, independent focus on the child's best interests.
In private family court matters, a guardian ad litem serves as an independent advocate for the child's best interests. The precise duties are determined by the court order and the needs of each case.
Thoughtful investigation
Interviews, records review, observations, and other case-appropriate steps build a careful understanding of the child's circumstances.
Child-centered perspective
The child's safety, stability, relationships, and developmental needs remain central throughout the appointment.
Candid recommendations
Independent findings are communicated clearly to the parties and the court, consistent with the appointment and governing law.
Service area
Serving Sumter and surrounding counties
Appointments are considered for private family court matters involving a minor child, subject to conflicts, availability, case needs, and court approval.
Ask about availabilityWhat to expect
A steady path forward
Clear expectations from the first inquiry through resolution.
Every case is different, but the appointment generally follows four stages.
- 01
Initial inquiry
Share the parties' names, county, and basic case information so availability and potential conflicts can be reviewed.
- 02
Appointment and orientation
After the court's appointment, the scope, expectations, fees, and next steps are explained to the parties.
- 03
Independent investigation
Relevant people are interviewed and appropriate information is gathered in a manner tailored to the child and court order.
- 04
Findings and participation
The guardian ad litem communicates findings and recommendations and participates in hearings as required.
The scope and timing of any guardian ad litem investigation are case-specific and governed by the court's order and applicable South Carolina law.
Our mission
Justice pursued with compassion. Hope restored through advocacy.
To glorify God by providing compassionate, trauma-informed legal advocacy that protects the vulnerable, pursues justice, speaks truth with integrity, and restores hope to those navigating life's most difficult circumstances.
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed.
Common questions
Before you reach out
Understanding the guardian ad litem role.
These general answers are a starting point. The court's appointment order controls the role in a particular case.
What does a guardian ad litem do?
A guardian ad litem conducts an independent investigation and advocates for the child's best interests within the scope of the court's order.
Does the guardian ad litem represent either parent?
No. The guardian ad litem serves the child's best interests and does not act as an attorney or advocate for either parent.
How is The Hope Advocate appointed?
Counsel or the parties may inquire about availability, but an appointment must be made or approved by the family court.
What should I include in my first email?
Include the parties' names, the county, and a short description of the type of case. Do not send confidential records or sensitive details before a conflicts review and confirmation from the firm.
How are fees determined?
Fees and payment responsibilities depend on the anticipated scope of work and the court's order. Those expectations are discussed before an appointment is accepted.
Contact The Hope Advocate
Begin with a brief inquiry.
Provide the parties' names and county for an initial conflicts and availability review. Please do not send sensitive documents until instructed.