Bonds

An estate bond (also called a fiduciary or probate bond) is a type of insurance that protects the beneficiaries and creditors of an estate. It guarantees that the person handling the estate (like an executor or administrator) will manage the money and property honestly and according to the law. If that person mishandles or steals from the estate, the bond helps cover the losses.

A guardianship bond is required when someone is appointed to take care of another person - usually a child or an adult who can’t manage their own affairs. The bond protects that person’s money and property. If the guardian misuses funds or doesn’t do their job right, the bond helps cover any losses. It’s the court’s way of saying, “We’ll let you take care of this person - but we need some insurance in case things go wrong.”

A minor probate bond is used when someone is put in charge of managing money or property that belongs to a minor (someone under 18). The bond protects the minor in case the guardian or conservator doesn’t handle things the right way, such as misuse of the money or if they don’t follow court instructions. It's a safety net to make sure the minor’s assets are taken care of properly until they’re old enough to handle it themselves.

A contractor’s bond is a type of protection for clients hiring a contractor. It guarantees that the contractor will follow the rules, meet the terms of the contract, and finish the job properly. If the contractor does not perform the work correctly, doesn’t finish, or breaks the law, the bond can help cover the damage or losses. It’s basically a way to say, “You can trust me to do the work right - and if not, there’s money set aside to make it right.”

A lost title bond (also called a bonded title) is used when someone wants to register or sell a vehicle, but the original title is missing, and they can't get a regular replacement. The bond acts as a guarantee that the person applying really owns the vehicle. If later on someone else proves they’re the true owner, the bond helps cover any financial loss. Think of it as the DMV saying, “We’ll let you title this vehicle, but we need a bond just in case there’s a problem down the road.”

An appeals bond is used when someone loses a court case but wants to appeal the decision. It guarantees that if they lose the appeal too, they’ll still pay what they owe from the original judgment. The bond protects the winning side from being dragged through an appeal without some kind of financial backup. It’s the court’s way of saying, 'We’ll allow the appeal, but we need financial assurance that you’ll honor the judgment if the appeal fails."

We offer a variety of bond types. Contact us to learn more!