FAQ

Any probate or fiduciary bond ordered by the court can only be released by the court. A Final Discharge is necessary for this type of bond to be canceled. To achieve this, fulfill fiduciary duties by managing and settling the estate or trust, paying debts and taxes, distributing assets, and keeping accurate records. Then, prepare a final accounting of all financial transactions and file a court petition for approval, discharge from duties, and bond cancellation. Present the Final Discharge order to the bond issuer to stop premium accrual. By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth process for canceling your probate or fiduciary bond in California.

Most (court) bonds have a yearly renewal premium and will continue to renew until there is a Final Discharge. This ensures continuous financial protection for the beneficiaries and creditors of the estate or trust as long as you serve in your fiduciary role. Most court bonds have a yearly renewal premium and will continue to renew until there is a Final Discharge. This ensures continuous financial protection for the beneficiaries and creditors of the estate or trust as long as you serve in your fiduciary role. The annual renewal is necessary because the bond serves as a guarantee that you will manage the estate or trust according to the law and the terms set by the court. Without this continuous coverage, there would be no financial safeguard in place to protect against any potential mismanagement or unforeseen issues that could arise during your administration. Therefore, to maintain this essential protection, the bond must be renewed each year until your responsibilities are officially concluded by the court.

The first year’s premium is fully-earned upon issuance. Any premiums paid for subsequent years will be returned pro-rata to the date of discharge. To obtain this return, you must complete your fiduciary duties, secure a court-issued Final Discharge order, and provide it to the bond issuer. Promptly completing these steps minimizes additional premium costs, as the bond continues to renew and accrue premiums annually until officially exonerated or discharged by the court.

Your attorney will be able to assist you with having the amount increased or decreased via court order. Supporting documentation, such as financial statements and risk assessments, should accompany the petition. Once the petition and supporting documents are submitted, the court will review the evidence to determine if an adjustment is warranted.

Yes. Unless you are told otherwise by H.M. Vreeland, the entire application must be completed. When applying for a California probate or fiduciary bond, it is essential to fill out the entire application thoroughly and accurately to ensure an accurate assessment of your eligibility and associated risks. A complete application allows the bond issuer to evaluate your financial situation, experience, and potential risks accurately, which helps determine appropriate premiums and approval. Incomplete applications can cause delays and may result in incorrect risk assessments or denial of the bond.