Explaining the Law and Providing Self-Help Information for Low-Income Iowans
There are 28 resources
Page 1 of 2
Affidavits
Affidavits are written statements that are sworn under oath. Sometimes affidavits are signed in front of a notary public.
Alternatives to Guardianship and Conservatorship
Guardianship and conservatorship can be the most restrictive and costly options for substitute decision-making. Other alternatives may work as well or better.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Attorney, Court, and Guardianship or Conservatorship Fees
There are costs associated with bringing a guardianship or conservatorship case. There are filing fees and other court costs as well as the fee of the attorney who prepares the case. If the ward has assets, the court can order payment from the ward. If there are no or very little assets, then the attorney’s fees and court costs must still be paid but there is no governmental source to pay for the costs.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Behavior Limit Interventions
Sometimes a person with a disability may have behaviors that are disturbing, disruptive, or even potentially harmful. What can be done?
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Can the School Make Me Get a Guardianship in Order to Enroll Children I Am Taking Care Of?
Sometimes, parents are not able to take care of their kids. The parents may have died, or be ill, or absent. Often, grandparents, aunts, uncles and others help out. Sometimes, the substitute parents may have problems enrolling the children in school. The school may tell the substitute parents that they have to get a “guardianship” over the children.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Caring for Our Minor Children After We're Gone
As parents, we worry about our children, especially about things that we have no control over.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Changes to Iowa Guardianship Law
A 1995 case decided by the Iowa Supreme Court had a major impact on Iowa's guardianship law.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Conservator of the Estate
A conservator takes care of the ward?s property. A conservator?s actions are reviewed by the court.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Deciding When Iowa Has Jurisdiction Over Adult Guardianships and Conservatorships
Iowa has the power to appoint a guardian or conservator if Iowa is the ?home state? of the ward.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Definitions of Legal Terms
The legal terms used in guardianship and conservatorship can be confusing. These definitions give information about basic terms used in guardianship and conservatorship cases.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Bosnian / Bosanski
Determining if Guardianship or Conservatorship is Necessary
It may be very difficult to decide if a guardianship or conservatorship is needed. These questions and points to consider may help in making that decision.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Frequently Asked Questions About Guardianship and Conservatorship
The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding guardianships and conservatorships.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Guardianship Decisions Requiring Court Approval
Iowa law requires that before taking certain actions, a guardian must get approval of the court. These actions include agreeing to major elective surgery and restricting where the ward lives.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Guardianship Of The Person
The court gives the guardian certain powers. Because of these powers, the guardian has duties to the ward.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Guardianships for Children
Parents should consider all their options before agreeing to let someone else have a guardianship over their child. A guardianship may be hard to end and can last much longer than planned. A guardian has no legal obligation to allow the parents to visit unless it is ordered by a judge Also a child support action could be brought against the parents.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
How to Set Up a Guardianship or Conservatorship
A discussion of the basic steps to set up a guardianship or conservatorship.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Making Decisions to Limit Medical Procedures
There may come a time when a guardian will have to decide about limiting life-sustaining medical procedures. A guardian may find it helpful to think about how he or she will make these decisions before the situation becomes critical.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Medical Treatment Decisions
The court may give a guardian the responsibility of deciding what medical treatment the ward will receive. The guardian must be sure that all decisions about medical treatment are given careful consideration. Each decision should be based on standards of informed consent.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Modification and Termination of Guardianship and Conservatorship
Changing (or modifying) a guardianship or conservatorship is similar to setting one up.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Picking a Guardian or Conservator
A spouse, an adult child or parent of the proposed ward can be a guardian or conservator. Others may also be able to fill that role.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Resource Guide for Guardians and Conservators
Contact information for resources which may be able to assist with guardianship or conservatorship issues
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Rights of Wards: How Does a Guardian or Conservator Protect a Person?s Rights?
A guardian or conservator is appointed to make decisions for the ward and protect the ward's rights.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Standards and Principles of Substitute Decision-Making
It can be very difficult to make decisions for another person. Here are some ideas that might help make some of those decisions.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Substitute Decision-Making
Competent individuals have the right to make all sorts of decisions about their lives. Examples are the right to decide about getting health care, and what kind of care to get. What does it mean to be competent and who makes decisions for someone who is not competent?
By: Iowa Legal Aid
What is "Notice" and How Is It Done?
When you file a case in court, you have to give the other person(s) notice. Here is some information on what notice is and how it can be done.
By: Iowa Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid's goal is to communicate effectively with our clients. We can use large print, Relay Iowa, language translation service, or other steps for effective communication. Interpretation and translation services and reasonable accommodations will be provided at no cost to qualified applicants. Please let us know if any special service is needed to provide legal help to you.
The Iowa Legal Aid Website is a project of Iowa Legal Aid, the Volunteer Lawyer Projects of the Iowa State Bar and Polk County Bar Associations and HELP Legal Assistance.
ILAW Home
Referral Finder
Choose Another Location
Arabic / العربية
