Terms Used In Iowa Code 597.7

  • clerk: means clerk of the court in which the action or proceeding is brought or is pending; and the words "clerk's office" mean the office of that clerk. See Iowa Code 4.1
  • Equitable: Pertaining to civil suits in "equity" rather than in "law." In English legal history, the courts of "law" could order the payment of damages and could afford no other remedy. See damages. A separate court of "equity" could order someone to do something or to cease to do something. See, e.g., injunction. In American jurisprudence, the federal courts have both legal and equitable power, but the distinction is still an important one. For example, a trial by jury is normally available in "law" cases but not in "equity" cases. Source: U.S. Courts
  • Guardian: A person legally empowered and charged with the duty of taking care of and managing the property of another person who because of age, intellect, or health, is incapable of managing his (her) own affairs.
  • person: means individual, corporation, limited liability company, government or governmental subdivision or agency, business trust, estate, trust, partnership or association, or any other legal entity. See Iowa Code 4.1
 The petition shall be verified by the petitioner, and filed in the office of the clerk of the district court of the proper county, notice of which shall be given as in other cases. Upon completed service, the court shall appoint some responsible attorney thereof guardian for the person alleged to be mentally ill, who shall ascertain the propriety, good faith, and necessity of the prayer of the petitioner, and may resist the application by making any legal or equitable defense thereto, and the guardian shall be allowed by the court a reasonable compensation to be paid as the other costs.