Overview of Guardianships and Conservatorships

For adults who, due to disability or illness, have trouble making important decisions and for minors, the Iowa courts may appoint individuals or organizations to serve as guardians, conservators, or both. Guardians are responsible for making decisions about the care and living arrangements for adults or minors. Conservators are responsible for making decisions about the property and finances of adults or minors.

• “Protected persons” are adults under guardianship and adults or minors under conservatorship. Iowa Code section 633.3.
• “Respondents” are adults or minors named in court petitions requesting the appointment of a guardian or conservator for them. Iowa Code section 633.3.
• “Minors” are unmarried children under the age of 18.  Iowa Code sec. 599.1.

Resources related to Guardianships and Conservatorships

• Iowa Legal Aid website>Determining if Guardianship or Conservatorship is Necessary and related pages
• Iowa DD Council website
• Iowa Office of the Public Guardian website
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Powers of Attorney and Other Forms of Substitute Decision-Making