Guardianships and Conservatorships
A guardianship is a legal action in which the court appoints a guardian who has the legal authority and duty to care for a protected person - a minor or adult who is unable to care for themselves because of the person’s cognitive or physical limitations.
A conservatorship is a legal action in which the court appoints a conservator to manage the financial affairs of a protected person - a minor or adult who is incapable of managing their own financial affairs because of the person’s cognitive or physical limitations.
Iowa law regarding guardianships and conservatorships can be found in Iowa Code Chapter 633; specifically, in, but not limited to, Iowa Code Sections 633.551 through 633.722.
Role of Polk County Attorney's Office
The County Attorney-Civil Bureau does not and cannot provide legal representation or provide legal advice to private citizens.
The Polk County Attorney’s Office Civil Bureau provides legal services for the State of Iowa, Department of Health and Human Services (IHHS) in establishing adult guardianships and conservatorships.
Because the Civil Bureau’s role is limited to representing IHHS in these matters, the information and referral links on this site are made available as a courtesy to the public and to assist guardians and conservators during the course of their appointment.
Information for the Public
Questions about guardianship and conservatorship proceedings for children can be directed to the following entities:
- Polk County Juvenile Clerk of Court – 515-286-2234
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- Child Welfare – Subsidized Guardianship Program
- https://hhs.iowa.gov/child-welfare/subsidized-guardianship
- Child Abuse Hotline - 1-800-362-2178
- Polk County Attorney’s Office – Juvenile Bureau – 515-286-3737
In Polk County, Iowa, the Polk County Probate Clerk of Court can assist individuals with filing, reporting, and other paperwork issues.
- Polk County Probate Clerk of Court - 515-286-3773
- Polk County Probate Courtroom – 515-286-3789
- Guardianship and Conservatorship Initial, Annual, and Final Report Forms are available on the Iowa Judicial Branch website:
- Iowa Judicial Branch
Members of the public seeking additional information or advice regarding guardianships or conservatorships should either contact the organizations below or a private law firm or attorney. The Polk County Attorney’s Office cannot provide legal advice to members of the public.
Other Helpful Phone Numbers and Links
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (To report abuse and fraud)
- https://hhs.iowa.gov/report-abuse-and-fraud
- Adult Abuse Hotline: 1-800-362-2178 or 515-725-2727
Drake Legal Clinic – Civil Practice Clinic (Possible legal advice and representation)
Iowa Legal Aid - (Possible legal advice and representation)
- http://www.iowalegalaid.org
- https://www.iowalegalaid.org/issues/family-and-juvenile/guardianship
- Apply for Help from Legal Aid - 1-800-532-1275
- Legal Hotline for Older Iowans - 1-800-992-8161
Iowa State Bar Association – (Find a Lawyer, Legal Resources)
- https://www.iowabar.org/
- 515-243-3179
Polk County Bar Association – (Find a Polk County Lawyer, Apply for Free Legal Assistance)
- http://pcbaonline.org/
- Polk County Bar Association Volunteer Lawyer’s Project
- https://www.pcbaonline.org/community-services
- 515-243-3904