Iowa Code Title XV. Judicial Branch and Judicial Procedures [Chs. 595-686] § 633.514. Hearing--continuance--orders

If, on the day set for hearing, the absentee fails to appear, the court shall appoint some disinterested person as guardian ad litem to appear for the absentee and all distributees not appearing, and said cause shall thereupon stand continued for twenty days. The guardian ad litem shall be a practicing attorney. The court shall have authority to make further continuance upon proper showing. The guardian ad litem shall investigate the matter and things alleged in the petition. Upon the further hearing, the court shall hear the proofs, and, if satisfied of the truth of the allegations of the petition, shall enter an order establishing the death of the absentee as a matter of law.