Iowa adds right to counsel for parents in guardianship cases
In 2019, Iowa enacted the Iowa Minor Guardianship Proceedings Act. For parents, the law provides:
Upon the filing of a petition for appointment of a guardian, the court shall appoint an attorney for the parent identified in the petition if all the following are true:
1. The parent objects to the appointment of a guardian for the minor.
2. The parent requests appointment of an attorney and the court determines that the parent is unable to pay for an attorney in accordance with section 232D.505.
Iowa Code § 232D.304.