What is a Probate Bond in Missouri?
A probate bond is a type of fiduciary bond (also known as an executor's bond) in a probate court estate. It is a Missouri state court bond that is issued on the performance of an executor or administrator of an estate. The purpose of the bond is to protect the beneficiaries or creditors of the estate from harm caused by the malfeasance or negligence of the executor or administrator.
In Missouri, a probate court bond is issued to administrators, executors, conservators and guardians in probate estates.
How Much does a Probate Bond Cost in Missouri?
The cost of a probate bond can vary widely depending on the amount of coverage that is required. It is based on the total amount of the estate, including any real estate, that the fiduciary has to oversee. We work diligently to find the lowest premiums possible in the state of Missouri. Please call us today at (979) 314-2999. We'll find you the very best rate possible.
| Bond Amount Needed | Fee |
| <$20,000 | $100-$150 |
| $20,000-30,000 | $150-$200 |
| $30,000-50,000 | $200-$300 |
| $50,000+ | 0.5-0.8% |
These rates are for Merit clients, Preferred rates are 0.5% and Standard rates are 0.5 to 0.8%
How do I get a Estate Bond in Missouri?
We make it easy to get a probate bond. Just click the blue button below to get an automatic quote and instant approval! Or you can click here to get our Probate Application. Fill it out and then email it, along with the court documents requiring the bond, to [email protected] or fax to 855-433-4192. The fastest way? Get an instant quote, instant approval by clicking the button below.
You can also call us at (979) 314-2999. We review each application for an executor bonds and then submit it to the surety that we believe will provide the best fidelity bond for your estate. They will perform a credit check. We have a high success rate in getting our clients probate estate bonds at the best rates possible.
Find a Probate Bond Near Me
Why do I need a Bond? I mean, what is an example of Malfeasance?
Let's assume that your Uncle Larry was appointed as the administrator of your father's estate. The estate consists of your family home, which is valued at $350,000. There are also several bank accounts worth several thousand dollars, a life insurance policy, two cars, a gun collection and plenty of sentimental items.
Unfortunately, your uncle Larry has money issues and is going through a divorce. So, instead of fulfilling his duties to you and your family, he instead takes the life insurance proceeds, the gun collection and cleans out the bank accounts and leaves the country.
How Does a Probate Bond Work in Court?
You may notice that many Wills that are drafted by attorneys waive the requirement of the bond. However, if the court bond is not waived by the Will, then a probate fiduciary bond is needed. The only way to then get away without a bond will be if you 1) whether all heirs can agree to waive the bond requirement; 2) whether there are any debts outstanding; and 3) whether the judge will allow for the waiver of the bond.
If you are unable to get an agreement by the heirs to waive the bond, then you will have to get a court fiduciary bond. If there are substantial unsecured debts, then you'll have to get the executors bond. Usually a judge will agree to waiver the administrator bond requirement.
Who Gets the Bond?
The personal representative, executor or administrator of the estate, must qualify for a bond. Qualification depends on the representative's net worth and creditworthiness. Personal representatives who do not qualify could still find a solution if their attorney maintains control over the estate account.
When the will does not waive a bond or the personal representative resides out of Missouri, a request for a waiver of bond to the court must include a declaration that states:
- The number of unsecured creditors of the estate and the estimated liability to them
- All estimated tax liabilities
- The amount of any known contingent liabilities
- Whether the estate is solvent
- The due diligence performed to establish the above information
What is a Court Bond in Missouri and How do I Get One?
A court bond is a bit different than a probate bond, described above. Instead, a Court Bond is generally a bond that is used for another court-specific purpose. A Court Surety Bond, also known as a judicial bond, protects one party from a loss. The most typical type of court bonds are:
- Indemnity Bonds (sheriff bond) – this protects the marshall from a lawsuit from the party whose assets are seized
- Cost Bonds – these guarantee the repayment of costs that are connected when a lower court's decision is being appealed
- Plaintiff's Bond – this guarantees a certain amount of damages that a party suffers if the action is held in favor of defendant
- Replevin Bonds – these guarantee that the property that was seized will remain in good condition and not disposed of or sold. It is a type of plaintiff's bond.
- Attachment Bonds – A court can require these before property is seized in order to secure a judgment. A type of plaintiff's bond
- Appeal Bonds – a bond put up by a defendant to guarantee the damages already awarded by a lower court to the plaintiff
Click here for our Court Bond Application.
We provide probate bonds in each of the following counties:
Adair
Andrew
Atchison
Audrain
Barry
Barton
Bates
Benton
Bollinger
Boone
Buchanan
Butler
Caldwell
Callaway
Camden
Cape Girardeau
Carroll
Carter
Cass
Cedar
Chariton
Christian
Clark
Clay
Clinton
Cole
Cooper
Crawford
Dade
Dallas
Daviess
De Kalb
Dent
Douglas
Dunklin
Franklin
Gasconade
Gentry
Greene
Grundy
Harrison
Henry
Hickory
Holt
Howard
Howell
Iron
Jackson
Jasper
Jefferson
Johnson
Knox
Laclede
Lafayette
Lawrence
Lewis
Lincoln
Linn
Livingston
Macon
Madison
Maries
Marion
McDonald
Mercer
Miller
Mississippi
Moniteau
Monroe
Montgomery
Morgan
New Madrid
Newton
Nodaway
Oregon
Osage
Ozark
Pemiscot
Perry
Pettis
Phelps
Pike
Platte
Polk
Pulaski
Putnam
Ralls
Randolph
Ray
Reynolds
Ripley
St. Charles
St. Clair
Ste. Genevieve
St. Francois
St. Louis
St. Louis City
Saline
Schuyler
Scotland
Scott
Shannon
Shelby
Stoddard
Stone
Sullivan
Taney
Texas
Vernon
Warren
Washington
Wayne
Webster
Worth
Wright
See our Montana probate bond page here.
