Iowa Code § 597.7: Proceedings.

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.