Iowa Code Title XIV. Property [Chs. 555-594A] § 561.8. Referees to determine exemption

When a disagreement takes place between the owner and any person adversely interested, as to whether any land or buildings are properly a part of the homestead, the sheriff shall, at the request of either party, summon nine disinterested persons having the qualifications of jurors. The parties then, commencing with the owner, shall in turn strike off one person each, until three remain. Should either party fail to do so, the sheriff may act for that person, and the three as referees shall proceed to examine and ascertain all the facts of the case, and report the same, with their opinion thereon, to the court from which the execution or other process may have issued within thirty days after their qualification as referees.