Overview of Guardianships and Conservatorships

The Iowa courts may appoint individuals and organizations to serve as guardians, conservators, or both. Guardians are responsible for making decisions about the care and living arrangements for adults or children. Conservators are responsible for making decisions about the property and finances of adults or children.

Adults placed under guardianship and adults and minors placed under conservatorship are called “protected persons.”  Iowa Code section 633.3. Adults and minors who are subject to guardianship and conservatorship petitions asking for the appointment of a guardian or conservator are called “respondents.” Iowa Code section 633.3.

Resources related to Guardianships and Conservatorships

• Iowa Legal Aid's Guardianship page
• Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council website
• Iowa Guardianship and Conservatorship Association website 
• Iowa Office of the Public Guardian website
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Powers of Attorney and Other Forms of Substitute Decision-Making