Entrusted with someone who can’t protect themselves — held to account.
Protecting a ward’s money and property
When a court appoints a guardian to manage the affairs of a minor or an incapacitated adult, it often requires a guardianship bond. It guarantees the guardian will manage and account for the ward’s money and property honestly and in the ward’s best interest.
What a guardianship bond guarantees
The bond guarantees a court-appointed guardian of the estate (the role that controls money and property, as opposed to guardian of the person) will properly manage and account for the ward’s assets, and it reimburses losses from mismanagement or misappropriation. The probate or guardianship court requires and sets it. A guardian of the person only often needs no bond, or only a nominal one.
How the amount is set
The court ties the amount to the value of the ward’s liquid assets plus roughly one year of anticipated income, and adjusts it as the estate changes. Underwriting is credit-based; premium commonly runs about 0.5%–1% of the amount for good credit. Some states require it for all guardians of the estate; others leave it to the court’s discretion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs a guardianship bond?
A court-appointed guardian of the estate — the person managing a minor’s or incapacitated adult’s money and property. A guardian of the person only often needs no bond or just a nominal one.
How is the bond amount determined?
By the court, tied to the value of the ward’s liquid assets plus about a year of expected income, and adjusted as the estate’s value changes.
How do I get a guardianship bond through Cory Washington & Co.?
Request a quote or contact our team. We confirm your exact requirement, market your bond across multiple surety companies that compete for it, and handle the filing. Cory Washington & Co. LLC is licensed in all 50 states.
All surety bond descriptions on this website are provided by Cory Washington & Co. LLC strictly for general informational purposes. They are not intended to be, and should not be relied upon as, legal, financial, or bonding advice. Surety bonds are not insurance. Bond requirements — including amounts, obligees, and bond forms — are set by government authorities and other obligees and change over time; the information presented is general in nature and does not guarantee the availability, terms, conditions, or amount of any bond. Actual bond terms are governed by the bond form issued by the surety and the requirements of the obligee, and any bond remains subject to underwriting approval. Nothing on this website creates or implies an agent-client relationship, binds a surety, or issues a bond. Cory Washington & Co. LLC expressly disclaims any liability for actions taken, or not taken, based on the content provided here. For advice regarding your particular situation, please confirm current requirements with the relevant authority and consult directly with a licensed professional at Cory Washington & Co. LLC.