A required step, handled gently and quickly.
If a court has asked you to post a bond before serving as executor, administrator, guardian, conservator, or trustee, you’re in the right place. We’ve helped families through this step since 1949 — with plain-English guidance, same-day quotes, and no judgment about questions.
- Serving families since 1949
- Plain-English guidance
- A-rated carrier partners
What a probate bond actually does
A probate bond (also called a fiduciary or estate bond) protects the people who depend on the estate — heirs, minors, incapacitated adults, and creditors — by guaranteeing that the person managing the assets does so honestly and according to the court’s instructions.
It isn’t a judgment about you. Courts require bonds as a matter of routine, especially when a will waiving bond doesn’t exist, when heirs live out of state, or when the estate includes significant assets. The premium is typically paid from estate funds, and the bond stays in place until the court releases you.
- Bond amount is set by the court — usually based on estate value
- Premiums typically run about 0.5% of the bond amount per year
- Often reimbursable from the estate as an administration expense
We keep it human
You're often applying during a difficult time. Our agents explain each step, coordinate with your attorney, and keep the paperwork to what the surety actually requires.
Courts have deadlines
Letters testamentary usually can't be issued until the bond is filed. Start the application today and most bonds are quoted the same business day.
Bonds for every court appointment
Executor & Administrator Bonds
For personal representatives settling a deceased person's estate — with or without a will.
Guardian Bonds
For guardians managing the property or affairs of a minor child.
Conservator Bonds
For conservators appointed to manage the finances of an incapacitated adult.
Trustee Bonds
For trustees administering a testamentary or court-supervised trust.
VA Fiduciary Bonds
For federal fiduciaries managing Veterans Affairs benefits on behalf of a veteran.
Special Needs Trust Bonds
For trustees of supplemental needs trusts protecting a beneficiary's eligibility and assets.
Four steps to your letters
Apply online
Tell us about the estate, the court, and yourself — about six minutes, with save & resume anytime.
We underwrite
An agent reviews the estate details, coordinates with your attorney if helpful, and secures your quote.
Bond is issued
Sign, pay the premium (often reimbursable from the estate), and we deliver the bond for filing.
File with the court
The court accepts the bond and issues your letters so you can begin administering the estate.
Probate bond FAQs
Most probate bonds cost roughly 0.5% of the bond amount per year — a $200,000 bond typically runs around $1,000 annually, with minimum premiums for small estates. The exact rate depends on the estate and your background, and it’s often reimbursable from estate funds.
The court sets it, usually based on the value of the personal property in the estate plus expected income — sometimes real estate too, depending on the state and whether it will be sold. Your court paperwork or attorney will have the figure; we’re happy to help you read it.
Often, yes. Sureties weigh the whole picture — the estate, attorney involvement, court oversight, and your circumstances. Answer the background questions honestly and we’ll place your bond with the carrier most likely to say yes.
Until the estate is closed and the court formally discharges you. The premium renews annually while administration continues, and stops once we receive evidence of your release.
Not strictly, but it helps — sureties look favorably on estates where counsel remains involved, and many courts effectively require it. The application asks for your attorney’s contact information so we can coordinate directly.
Looking for a different bond?
Explore court bonds, license & permit bonds, contract bonds, fidelity & crime coverage, title bonds — or browse all bond types.
Let's get this step behind you.
Start the application now — about six minutes, save and resume anytime — and an agent will follow up the same business day with your quote and filing instructions.
