Iowa Guardian Bond

Under Iowa Code § 633.174, guardians appointed to manage the personal care of minors or incapacitated persons are generally NOT required to post a bond. However, a bond may be required if the guardian also serves as conservator managing the ward's financial estate, or if the court determines a bond is necessary for good cause. The bond requirement primarily applies to conservators handling estate assets.

Banks and trust companies with Iowa trust powers appointed as guardians or conservators are exempt from the bond requirement under Iowa Code § 633.175. Additionally, public guardians and conservators are not subject to bond posting requirements. The court may also waive the bond if an alternative form of financial security (such as a cash deposit) provides sufficient protection to the protected person's assets.

The Iowa guardian/conservator bond amount is calculated based on the value of the protected person's estate, specifically the personal property value plus estimated income during the conservatorship period (Iowa Code § 633.170). The court may reduce the amount by the value of any personal property deposited with an Iowa bank or trust company, and has authority to adjust the bond amount if circumstances change.