Iowa

Guardianship

Legal Information

• Affidavits

  Affidavits are written statements that are sworn under oath. Sometimes affidavits are signed in front of a notary public. Read More

• 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. Content Detail

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• 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. Content Detail

• Behavior Limit Interventions

  Sometimes a person with a disability may have behaviors that are disturbing, disruptive, or even potentially harmful. What can be done? Content Detail

• 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. Read More

• 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. Read More

• Conservator of the Estate

  A conservator takes care of the ward's property. A conservator's actions are reviewed by the court. Content Detail

• Definitions of Legal Terms Used in Guardianship or Conservatorship

  The legal terms used in guardianship and conservatorship can be confusing. These definitions give information about basic terms used in guardianship and conservatorship cases. Content Detail

  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. Content Detail

• Emancipation and Minor Guardianships

  If you are a minor who is thinking about running away, stop and look at other ways to deal with the problem. Read More

  By:

  Iowa Legal Aid

• Frequently Asked Questions About Guardianship and Conservatorship

  The following are the most frequently asked questions regarding guardianships and conservatorships. Content Detail

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Guardianship and Conservatorship in Iowa

  An overview of legal issues in substitute decision making written for the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council by Iowa Legal Aid. Content Detail

  By:

  The Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council

• 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. Content Detail

• Guardianship Of The Person

  The court gives the guardian certain powers. Because of these powers, the guardian has duties to the ward. Content Detail

• 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. Read More