Quick Answer
Adult guardianship is a court process that appoints someone to make personal or financial decisions for an adult who can no longer make them safely. Illinois uses "guardian of the person" and "guardian of the estate." Iowa uses "guardian" for personal decisions and "conservator" for money. In both states, courts look first at less restrictive options, such as powers of attorney.
Key points
- The adult has rights in the process, including notice and a lawyer.
- Courts prefer limited guardianships tailored to actual needs.
- Guardians report to the court every year.
- Iowa tightened its procedures in 2024 and 2025.
Is this you?
- A parent or adult child can't manage money, health care, or safety.
- No power of attorney exists, or the agent isn't acting properly.
The terms
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Personal decisions | Guardian of the person | Guardian |
| Money and property | Guardian of the estate | Conservator |
| The adult | Person with a disability, ward | Respondent, protected person |
| Court | Circuit court | District court |
Try these first
A durable power of attorney for property, a health care power of attorney, a Social Security representative payee, or a trust can often do the job without court. Guardianship is for when those don't exist or aren't working.
How the process differs
| Illinois | Iowa | |
|---|---|---|
| Medical evidence | Physician's or psychologist's report, evaluations within 3 months of filing | Professional evaluation ordered unless the court already has enough information |
| Background checks | Varies by county | Required for proposed guardians and conservators |
| Court's investigator | Guardian ad litem | Court visitor, when appointed |
| Forms | County and statewide forms | Court-prescribed forms required for all guardians |
| After appointment | Annual report on the person; estate inventory and accountings | Initial care plan within 60 days; conservator plan and inventory within 90 days; annual reports |
More in this series
- Alternatives to Guardianship for an Aging Parent
- How to Get Guardianship of a Parent in Illinois
- How to Get Guardianship of a Parent in Iowa
- The Illinois Physician's Report for Guardianship
- Emergency Guardianship in Illinois
- Emergency Guardianship in Iowa
- Limited vs. Full Guardianship: Which Fits?
- Guardian Duties and Annual Reports in Illinois
- Iowa Guardian Care Plans and Annual Reports
- Removing a Guardian or Ending a Guardianship in Illinois
- Removing a Guardian or Ending a Guardianship in Iowa
- Co-Guardians: Shared Authority, Shared Liability
- Guardianship When Your Child Turns 18 in Iowa
- Guardianship When Your Child Turns 18 in Illinois
Related series: Power of Attorney Abuse.
Next step: Not sure guardianship is needed? Leave your contact details and a short note in our chat, and our team will reach out.
Reviewed by James D. Greenwood, November 11, 2026. Sources: 755 ILCS 5/11a-3, 11a-9, 11a-10; Iowa Code 633.556, 633.563, 633.564, 633.669, 633.670; Iowa Supreme Court order of Sept. 8, 2025.
This post is general information, not legal advice for your situation.