Probate / Fiduciary
Administrator Bond
An administrator bond is a probate bond required of a person appointed by the court to handle the estate of someone who died without a will.
- Required by
- Probate courts
- Bond amount
- Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.
What this bond guarantees
Used when there is not a will in a deceased estate, the bond guarantees the administrator will manage and distribute the estate's assets and pay all claims and debts as the law and the court require. It is payable to the probate judge or the state for the benefit of heirs and creditors. If the administrator mismanages or takes estate assets, they can claim on the bond.
Who needs it
- Family members appointed to administer an estate with no will
- Other persons or general administrators appointed by the probate court
What the underwriter looks at
- Size of the estate
- Applicant's personal credit
- Whether an attorney represents the estate
- Whether assets are held in restricted accounts
Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.
Common questions
How much bond will the court require in Alabama?
Unless the court orders otherwise, Code of Alabama 43-2-851 sets the bond at the value of estate property under your control plus one year's estimated income. Securities in restricted accounts and land you cannot sell without court approval can be subtracted.
Can the heirs waive the bond?
Alabama has no heir waiver that eliminates the initial bond. Only a will can exempt an executor, so an administrator without a will normally needs a bond.