Do you automatically get control of a ward’s money when appointed guardian of the person in Iowa?

Short answer: No. In Iowa, being appointed guardian of the person does not automatically give you authority over the ward’s property or finances. The court treats authority over personal care and authority over property as distinct roles. If you need legal authority to manage the ward’s money, you generally must be separately appointed as the conservator (sometimes called guardian of the estate) or obtain express court authorization to handle specific financial matters.

Detailed Answer — how Iowa law separates personal care and financial authority

Iowa law separates responsibility for a vulnerable person’s physical care from responsibility for the person’s property. A guardian of the person makes day-to-day and long-term decisions about the ward’s living arrangements, medical care, education, and personal needs. A conservator (often described as guardian of the estate in other states) manages the ward’s assets, pays bills, invests funds, and handles other financial affairs.

The rules that govern these roles, the appointment process, the duties of each role, and required court filings are found in Iowa’s guardianship and conservatorship statutes. See Iowa Code chapter 633 for the governing provisions: Iowa Code Chapter 633 (Guardianship, Conservatorship, and the Protection of Persons and Property).

What this means in practice

• If the court names you only as guardian of the person, banks, investment firms, and title-holders will not recognize you as authorized to access or manage the ward’s bank accounts, real estate, investments, or other property. Those institutions will usually ask for a court document (letters of conservatorship or equivalent) showing your appointment as conservator.
• If you need to pay the ward’s bills, sell property, sign tax returns, or manage investments, you will typically need a separate court order appointing you conservator of the estate or specific court authorization for the particular transaction.
• The court can appoint the same person to both roles at the same time. If it is appropriate, the petition can ask the court to appoint you both guardian of the person and conservator of the estate. The judge decides based on the ward’s best interests and the evidence presented.

Typical steps to gain financial authority

1. File a petition asking the court to appoint a conservator of the estate (this can be part of the original guardianship petition, or a separate petition if you are already guardian of the person).
2. Provide notice to the ward, the ward’s relatives, and other interested persons as required by Iowa law.
3. Attend a hearing where the court evaluates whether the appointment is necessary and appropriate. The court may require reports, appraisals, or medical evidence.
4. If appointed, the conservator may need to post a bond (or secure a waiver if allowed), file an inventory of the ward’s assets, and provide periodic accountings to the court as required by Iowa statute.

These procedural requirements and duties are set out in Chapter 633 and related provisions of the Iowa Code. For details about inventories, bond, and accountings, review the statutes at: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/633.pdf.

Exceptions and limited authorities

The court can grant limited or temporary authority in emergencies. For example, the court may issue a temporary conservatorship or limited orders allowing a guardian to take a specific financial action (sell a vehicle or pay certain bills) without full conservatorship. The availability and scope of temporary relief will depend on the facts and the court’s discretion.

Helpful Hints

• Confirm the exact language of your court appointment. Look for “guardian of the person,” “conservator of the estate,” or both. The certified Letters of Appointment tell banks and agencies what authority you have.
• If you plan to handle money, include a request for conservatorship in your initial petition if feasible. That can save time and avoid a second court proceeding.
• Contact the clerk of the district court handling the case to learn local forms, filing fees, and bond requirements. Procedures can vary by county.
• Gather documentation about the ward’s assets (bank statements, deeds, account numbers) before the conservatorship hearing. The court usually requires an inventory soon after appointment.
• Understand fiduciary duties. As conservator you must act in the ward’s best interest, avoid self-dealing, keep records, and file required accountings. Misuse of funds can lead to removal, civil liability, or criminal charges.
• Public benefits: managing benefits like Social Security or Medicaid may require separate steps (for example, the Social Security Administration recognizes a representative payee). Conservatorship does not automatically handle all program-specific requirements, so contact the agency or an attorney for guidance.
• When in doubt, consult a probate or elder law attorney to prepare petitions and to learn your duties and reporting obligations under Iowa law.

Where to read the law: For the statutory framework and specific procedural and reporting duties, see Iowa Code Chapter 633: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/ico/chapter/633.pdf.

Final note / Disclaimer: This article explains general principles of Iowa guardianship and conservatorship law for educational purposes only. It is not legal advice. Consult a licensed Iowa attorney or the district court clerk for advice tailored to your situation.