Guardianship can be plenary or limited, with the difference being that a plenary guardianship is a full guardianship similar to how a parent would have the power to make all legal and medical decisions for the child, whereas a limited guardianship can only make decisions based on the stipulations set force in the guardianship agreement. In Iowa, the court ultimately determines the degree of guardianship necessary, with the goal of maintaining the ward’s rights and only giving the guardian what decision-making power is absolutely essential.
