Guardianship and conservatorship in Iowa: who, where, cost
How a court can name a guardian or conservator in Iowa, what it costs and what to try first.
Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.
Short answer
Guardian, conservator (full or limited); standby guardian or conservator; emergency (temporary) appointment.
- Filing fee
- $215 filing fee for a civil petition, which includes petitions to appoint guardians and conservators; an extra $5 publication fee may apply in counties over 98,000 people.
- Court
- Iowa District Court (probate) in the county where the person lives or is found.
What guardianship or conservatorship is
- What it is called
Guardian, conservator (full or limited); standby guardian or conservator; emergency (temporary) appointment
- When a court may appoint one
A guardian may be appointed only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult's decision-making capacity is so impaired that they cannot care for their safety or provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing or medical care, and that a guardian is in their best interest. A conservator may be appointed if the adult cannot make, communicate or carry out important financial decisions and it is in their best interest. The petition must explain why no less restrictive alternative works, and the court must consider a limited guardianship or conservatorship and less restrictive alternatives such as third-party assistance.
Law: Iowa Code 633.551, 633.552, 633.553, 633.556
- Kinds
- Guardian
- Conservator
- Limited guardianship or conservatorship
- Standby (voluntary) guardian or conservator
- Emergency appointment
Law: Iowa Code §§ 633.551-633.556
Who can ask, which court and your own choice
- Who may ask
Any person with an interest in the adult's welfare, including the adult, by filing a verified petition.
Law: Iowa Code 633.556
- Court
Iowa District Court (probate) in the county where the person lives or is found.
- Choosing your own
In your power of attorney you can nominate your future conservator or guardian; the court must follow your most recent nomination except for good cause or disqualification. You can also file a voluntary petition naming a standby guardian or conservator.
Law: Iowa Code 633B.108, 633.568, 633.591
- Effect on a power of attorney
If a conservator or other fiduciary for your property is appointed, your financial power of attorney is suspended unless it says otherwise or the court lets it continue; if it continues, the agent also accounts to the conservator. It is reinstated if the conservatorship ends because you regain capacity. Your health care attorney in fact keeps priority over a guardian for health care decisions unless a court finds otherwise.
Law: Iowa Code 633B.108(2); Iowa Code 144B.6
Cost, fee waiver and forms
- Filing fee
$215 filing fee for a civil petition, which includes petitions to appoint guardians and conservators; an extra $5 publication fee may apply in counties over 98,000 people. Conservatorships also pay court costs of 0.2% of the gross value of inventoried assets minus life insurance. Background check fees apply.
Law: Iowa Code 633.31(4)
- Fee waiver
Application to Defer Costs, filed with the clerk; a judge decides whether to postpone the fees (Iowa Judicial Branch, Civil Court Fees).
- Forms
- Steps
Other options and where to report abuse
- Less restrictive options
- Power of attorney: Names an agent for money and property; durable unless it says otherwise.
- Durable power of attorney for health care: Names an attorney in fact for health care decisions.
- Limited guardianship or conservatorship: The court gives the guardian or conservator only the powers that are needed.
- Third-party assistance: Help from others that meets the person's needs without a court appointment; the court must consider it.
- Report abuse or exploitation
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Child or Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting (Adult Protective Services) · 1-800-362-2178
Call or text the Eldercare Locator to find your local adult protective services: 1-800-677-1116 · eldercare.acl.gov
Free help in Iowa
- Iowa Legal Aid (serves low-income Iowans and people 60 and older)
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Guardianships, Adult (FAQ)
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Court forms
- Iowa Judicial Branch: Civil court fees and fee deferral
- Find free legal aid at LawHelp.org
Report abuse or exploitation
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services - Child or Dependent Adult Abuse Reporting (Adult Protective Services) · 1-800-362-2178
Questions about powers of attorney in Iowa
How does guardianship or conservatorship work in Iowa?
A guardian may be appointed only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the adult's decision-making capacity is so impaired that they cannot care for their safety or provide necessities such as food, shelter, clothing or medical care, and that a guardian is in their best interest.
What does a guardianship or conservatorship cost in Iowa?
$215 filing fee for a civil petition, which includes petitions to appoint guardians and conservators; an extra $5 publication fee may apply in counties over 98,000 people.
What are the alternatives to guardianship in Iowa?
Power of attorney; Durable power of attorney for health care; Limited guardianship or conservatorship; Third-party assistance.