How Do I Name a Guardian for My Minor Children in Iowa?

See how a parent names a guardian for their minor children in Iowa, what weight the court gives your choice, and your options for temporary care.

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Naming a Guardian in Iowa

Where you name one: A will
What it takes to sign: Your signature and 2 witnesses
Official form: None
Age of majority: 18

What the Court Does With Your Choice

Weight given to your nomination: Priority, subject to best interest
Your child's own preference: Child 14+ may choose

Name a guardian alongside the rest of your plan, and set aside how your children's inheritance is managed until they are grown.

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Temporary Care Without Going to Court

Deploying-Parent Power of Attorney (custodial responsibility during military deployment)

Any adult · no fixed statutory time limit · no custody transfer

Who Cannot Serve as Guardian

Iowa uses a best-interest and suitability standard rather than a fixed list of bars — the court can decline anyone it finds unsuitable to serve.

This guide summarizes state guardian-designation statutes and is not legal advice. Rules vary by state and locality. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your family's situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

In Iowa, a parent names a guardian for a minor child in a will (Iowa Code § 232D.308 (guardian of person); § 633.566 (conservator of estate)). It needs your signature and 2 witnesses. You can record it alongside the rest of your estate plan when you create a revocable living trust.

When a parent has named a guardian, the parent's nominee has appointment priority, but the court can still decline them on a best-interest finding (Iowa Code § 232D.308 (guardian of person); § 633.566 (conservator of estate)).

No. In Iowa, a guardian is named in your will or the guardianship petition, not a standalone declaration.

Yes. Iowa allows a Deploying-Parent Power of Attorney (custodial responsibility during military deployment) (Iowa Code § 598C.204 (delegation); §§ 598C.202, 598C.205 (nature, filing)): any adult can be authorized for a limited time (no fixed statutory time limit) without transferring custody.

In Iowa, a child 14 or older may choose their guardian, subject to the court's approval (Iowa Code § 232D.308(3)).

Iowa uses a best-interest and suitability standard rather than a fixed list — the court can decline anyone it finds unsuitable to serve. (Iowa Code § 232D.308(1))

Naming a Guardian in Iowa

In Iowa, the age of majority is 18. Until a child reaches it, a parent may name a guardian in a will.

When a parent has named a guardian, the parent's nominee has appointment priority, but the court can still decline them on a best-interest finding. A backup guardian named in the same document applies if the first choice cannot serve.

Iowa makes the guardian nomination through a will or the guardianship petition rather than a standalone declaration. For short-term needs, Iowa allows a Deploying-Parent Power of Attorney (custodial responsibility during military deployment), under which any adult can be authorized for a limited time (no fixed statutory time limit) without transferring custody.

A child's own wishes: a child 14 or older may choose their guardian, subject to the court's approval.

A last will is the standard place to name a guardian, and a revocable living trust sets aside how a child's inheritance is managed until they are grown.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated July 14, 2026

Legal Sources

Data sourced from Iowa statutes and official state code. How we research.

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