Thinking about filing for guardianship in Iowa—whether for a child, an aging parent, or someone with a disability? You need to know the costs. Every case is different, but there are several common expenses most people encounter when starting this process. That’s why we created our Iowa Guardianship Cost Calculator—to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Let’s go through each part of the calculator so you can understand what the numbers mean.
Court Filing Fee
This is the fee you pay the county court just to file the guardianship case. In Iowa, the filing fee is usually $235 but can vary slightly by county.
Attorney Fees
Guardianship cases can be complicated, and many people choose to work with a lawyer to guide them through the process. The lawyer helps with paperwork, court filings, and representation at hearings. This number should be the total amount you expect to pay your lawyer from start to finish. In Iowa, this could be anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500 or more, depending on how involved the case gets.
Court Visitor Fee
In some cases, especially adult guardianship, the court will appoint a “court visitor” or investigator. This person visits the proposed ward and writes a report for the judge. The cost for this service is usually paid by the person who filed the case. You should budget around $400 for this fee, but actual costs vary.
Notice and Service Costs
Iowa law requires you to notify certain people about the guardianship petition, including close family members. This is usually done by serving papers through the sheriff or a private process server. You may also have to publish a notice in a newspaper. These service costs add up—plan on around $100 for this step.
Background Check Fee
If you are the person filing to be a guardian, you may need to complete a background check. This helps the court make sure they are appointing the right person to handle someone else’s affairs. The fee is usually small—around $50—but should be included in your total cost.
Annual Reporting Costs
After you are appointed as guardian, the job doesn’t stop there. In most cases, you will need to file reports with the court every year. These reports may include updates on the ward’s well-being, financial spending, or care decisions. You can do these yourself or hire an attorney or accountant to help, which may cost a few hundred dollars a year.
Other Miscellaneous Costs
This category includes everything else—copies, postage, court-certified documents, parking fees at the courthouse, or travel to hearings. It may not seem like much, but these small costs add up. It’s a good idea to budget around $150 just in case.
Once you put in your numbers, the calculator will give you a total estimated cost to file for guardianship in Iowa. This is a good starting point, so you can budget for the process. Keep in mind that if the case is contested or takes longer than expected, your costs will be higher.
Guardianship is a legal process that allows someone to make decisions for another person who can’t make decisions on their own. It can be emotional and legal challenges, especially when family members don’t agree. Knowing the costs upfront helps you prepare and reduces surprises.
Even though the calculator gives you a good starting estimate, talking to an attorney will help you understand what’s involved. Every guardianship case is unique, and an attorney can walk you through the process, help you avoid mistakes, and potentially save you time and money in the long run.
Ready to get started or have questions about guardianship in Iowa? Contact O’Flaherty Law today to schedule a consultation and get started protecting your loved one’s future.
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