When someone can no longer care for themselves, either because they are a minor (under 18 years of age) or incapacitated, a Guardian might be appointed.
A Guardian is a court-appointed individual who cares for the well-being of someone else.
In the case of a minor, a Guardian is usually the primary caregiver. In the case of an incapacitated adult, a Guardian is usually in charge of providing medical treatment, monitoring caregivers, etc.
To ensure a Guardian follows through with their duties, the court might require the Guardian to get a Guardianship Bond.
What is a Guardianship Bond?
A Guardianship Bond is a type of court bond that ensures a court-appointed individual will perform and fulfill their obligations.
A note on Guardians and Conservators:
Guardianship Bonds are sometimes called Conservatorship Bonds. In our experience, Conservators handle monetary matters, while Guardians handle the day-to-day care.
Some states, however, make no recognition of this difference and the terms are used interchangeably.
You can learn more about Conservatorship Bonds here.
How does a Guardianship Bonds Work?
Guardianship Bonds work similar to insurance. But instead of protecting the Guardian, they protect the person the Guardian is caring for.
If the Guardian fails to perform his/her duties honestly and ethically, someone can make a claim against the Guardianship Bond.
If the surety company has to pay out on a bond claim, the Guardian is responsible for repaying the surety company every penny.
You can learn more about how surety bonds work.
Guardianship Bonds are similar to Trustee Bonds in the sense that they guarantee the caregiver will not abuse or neglect the person they are caring for. If they do, the minor or incapacitated individual is protected by the bond.
How Much Does a Guardian Bond Cost?
The amount of the Guardianship Bond is usually determined by a judge. Generally, the bond amount will vary based on the specifics of the case.
Guardianship Bonds remains in place the entire length of time that the person being cared for needs such supervision. Because of this, there will be an annual premium charged for the bond that must be paid until the bond is released from the court.
The bond premium is a small percentage of the total bond amount.
For example, if the court requires you to provide a bond in the amount of $100,000, you will not have to pay $100,000. Depending on your approval with the surety company, you might only need to pay around $400 – $500 for your bond.
*See note below about pricing for a Guardianship Bond of a minor.
Curious what you would pay for a Guardianship Bond? Get a free quote below.
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*Guardianship Bonds of a minor require the bond to be paid in full until the minor turns 18. This means if you are quoted for a Guardian or Conservatorship Bond at $100, but the minor is only 8 years old, you will need to pay $1,000 for the bond. This is because the minor still has 10 years until he/she turns 18. The surety requires payment for those 10 years before they will issue the bond. (10 years x $100/year = $1,000).
If you have questions about how Guardianship and Conservatorship Bonds of a minor are paid, please talk to your surety company.
Who Needs a Guardianship Bond?
You will most likely need a Guardianship Bond if you are caring for a minor or someone who is unable to care for themselves, such as a disabled or elderly person.
Not every Guardian needs to get bonded though. Your court will let you know if you require a bond.
For more details on who needs a Conservatorship Bond, view the complete Conservatorship and Guardianship State Statutory Requirements Chart.
How to get a Guardianship Bond
Your best option for obtaining a Conservatorship Bond is through a surety bond company that has a large network of carriers.
At Surety Solutions, we shop your bond application with over 30 different carriers. This means we can get you the best price for your bond.
We’ve bonded people for as low as $100.
Instant approvals available.
Browse available Guardianship Bonds. See how much you’d pay.
View our FREE EBOOK: “Everything You Need To Know About Conservatorship Bonds”
Related links:
Everything You Need To Know About Conservatorship Bonds
