New Jersey Probate & Fiduciary Bonds
If an attorney or Surrogate Court told you a bond is required, we can help review the filing information for an executor, administrator, guardian, or other fiduciary bond.
Have the county, fiduciary role, bond amount or court paperwork if provided, estate details requested by underwriting, and attorney contact ready.
Request a Probate Bond Review
No obligation. Expert guidance.
Share the county, fiduciary role, bond amount or court paperwork if provided, estate details requested by underwriting, and attorney contact if applicable. We'll confirm the filing details and follow up after review; timing varies by application.
Were you referred by an attorney or Surrogate Court?
Call (609) 491-7404 with the bond instruction or court paperwork you received. We will help identify the surety application details without replacing legal advice from your attorney or the court.
Which fiduciary bond do you need?
The role named in the appointment or court paperwork usually determines the type of bond application to review.
Executor Bonds
For a person appointed under a will. A will does not automatically mean a bond is required; follow the will and the court or Surrogate's instructions.
Administrator Bonds
For many forms of estate administration, including situations where an administrator is appointed. The court or Surrogate sets the required security.
Guardian Bonds
For many guardianships of a minor or incapacitated person, subject to the applicable court instructions and statutory exceptions.
Other Fiduciary Situations
Additional or substituted fiduciaries, certain nonresident executors, and other appointments may require security under New Jersey law.
When New Jersey may require a fiduciary bond
N.J.S.A. 3B:15-1 directs the appointing court or Surrogate to secure faithful performance in specified fiduciary appointments. These include many administrations, many guardianships, substituted or additional fiduciaries, and certain nonresident executors unless the will excuses security.
The court or Surrogate determines the bond amount, conditions, and sureties with regard to the value of the estate and the extent of the fiduciary's authority. Confirm the legal requirement with the attorney or court handling the matter.
What to have when you call
- County where the estate or guardianship is being handled
- Fiduciary role: executor, administrator, guardian, or other
- Bond amount or court paperwork, if provided
- Estate details requested by underwriting
- Attorney contact information, if applicable
What happens next?
We review the information you received, confirm what is needed for the surety application, and follow up about available timing after requirements and underwriting are reviewed.
We can help with the bond application and filing documentation. Legal advice about the estate, appointment, or waiver must come from your attorney or the Surrogate Court.
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Probate bond questions
Is an executor bond automatically required when a will exists?
No. A will alone does not automatically mean an executor bond is required. The will, the appointment, and the court or Surrogate's instructions determine whether security is required.
When may New Jersey require a fiduciary bond?
New Jersey law identifies situations that can require a bond, including many forms of administration, many guardianships, substituted or additional fiduciaries, and certain nonresident executors unless the will excuses security. The court or Surrogate determines the requirement.
Who determines the probate bond amount?
The court or Surrogate determines the bond amount and conditions with regard to the estate and the extent of the fiduciary's authority. Bring the paperwork or amount you were given so the application can be reviewed accurately.
What should I have ready when I call?
Have the county, your fiduciary role, the bond amount or court paperwork if provided, estate details requested by underwriting, and attorney contact information if applicable.
Can Can Do provide legal advice about whether a bond is required?
No. Your attorney or the Surrogate Court determines the legal requirement. We can help review the bond information provided and explain the surety application process.