What to Know About a Court-Appointed Guardianship in Iowa

One of the aspects of a comprehensive estate plan includes guardianship. If you have a loved one who is aging or has disabilities, they may benefit from having a guardianship arrangement. This will allow your loved ones to have someone who will guide them through difficult matters in life if they become unable to manage their own affairs or become incapacitated.

Continue reading to learn the types of guardianship that can be appointed in Iowa and the process of appointing a guardian. To discover the responsibilities as a guardian, read on. If you have any further questions regarding this process and the role Iowa courts will play, give our experienced estate planning attorney a call. We would be happy to walk you through the legal process ahead.

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What is a court-appointed guardianship in Iowa?

A court-appointed guardian is a person who has gained the legal authority by an Iowa court to take responsibility for another person who is incapacitated, unable to care for themselves, and/or unable to make decisions on their own. It is also the guardian’s responsibility to care for and act in the best interest of this individual.

What are my responsibilities as a guardian?

It is common for Iowa courts to favor limiting a guardian’s powers to only the absolute necessary responsibilities. The responsibilities of a guardian in Iowa vary depending on what the court will assign this individual. The responsibilities will typically fall into two categories, decisions, actions, and responsibilities that can be taken without the court’s approval, and decisions, actions, and responsibilities that require approval prior by the courts.

Some responsibilities that will typically not require court approval include the following:

Providing a comfortable and nurturing environment for the ward

Personal counseling

Treatment

Taking care of the home

Caring for furnishings

Caring for the ward’s clothing

Assisting the ward with medical care

Any further normal day-to-day activities

Courts may grant general or plenary guardianships which will give the guardian nearly full control regarding decision making and responsibilities for the ward. On the other hand, limited guardianship may be granted which provides the guardian with a specific set of responsibilities to take care of while the ward retains as much freedom as possible.

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Herting Law, PLLC, is an Iowa-based law firm designed to help with all of your legal needs. If you need a Des Moines criminal defense lawyer, our firm has significant experience in all criminal matters, including OWIs, drug charges, gun crimes, theft, assault, and more. If you need an estate planning lawyer, our firm can guide you through it all, including drafting wills, trusts, and the administration of your estate. Whatever the situation, Herting Law, PLLC has you covered.