When a loved one passes away, their estate may go through a legal process called probate. Probate is designed to ensure that the deceased person’s debts are paid, and their assets are distributed according to their wishes or state law. One aspect of the probate process that many people may not be familiar with is probate bonds.

Probate bonds are a type of surety bond required by a court to protect the interests of the beneficiaries of an estate. A surety bond is an agreement between three parties: the principal (in this case, the executor or administrator of the estate), the surety (the insurance company that issues the bond), and the obligee (the court or other entity that requires the bond). The purpose of the bond is to provide financial protection to the beneficiaries in case the executor or administrator does not fulfill their duties properly.

The amount of the bond is usually set by the court based on the value of the estate. The executor or administrator is required to pay a premium to the surety company to obtain the bond, which is typically a percentage of the bond amount. The premium can be paid out of the estate’s assets.

If the executor or administrator does not fulfill their duties properly, the beneficiaries can make a claim against the bond. The surety company will investigate the claim and, if it is found to be valid, will pay out the amount of the claim to the beneficiaries. The executor or administrator will then be responsible for reimbursing the surety company for the amount paid out.

Probate bonds can be required for various reasons, including to ensure that the executor or administrator:

• Distributes the estate’s assets according to the will or state law
• Pays the estate’s debts and taxes
• Does not commit fraud or other misconduct
• Properly manages any trusts established by the will

Probate bonds can be a significant expense for the estate, as the premium can be several thousand dollars or more depending on the size of the bond. However, they provide important protection for the beneficiaries and can help ensure that the probate process goes smoothly.

In summary, probate bonds are a type of surety bond required by a court to protect the interests of the beneficiaries of an estate. They provide financial protection in case the executor or administrator does not fulfill their duties properly. While they can be a significant expense for the estate, they are an important part of the probate process that helps ensure that the deceased person’s wishes are carried out properly.

Lexington National has a nationwide network of agents that can assist with probate bonds. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.