Arkansas Guardian Bond

Arkansas Guardian Bond

In Arkansas, the circuit court judge will appoint a “guardian” to manage the property and financial affairs of individuals considered “wards” of the state. Wards include minors or adults declared incompetent by the State of Arkansas. The guardian, also known as the fiduciary, is often required to purchase a Guardian Bond in accordance with Chapter 65 of the Arkansas Code to protect the financial interests of the ward and the clerk of the circuit court. Jet makes the process of purchasing a Guardian Bond fast, accurate, and affordable for guardians in Arkansas.

PURCHASE GUARDIAN BOND

Have any questions? Give us a call at (855) 470-0877 and speak to a live Arkansas probate bond expert.

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What Size Bond Do You Need?

The clerk of court will inform the guardian of their exact required bond amount once the guardianship case is filed. To determine the bond amount, the clerk will follow Arkansas Code 28-65-215 outlined below.

If the guardianship is over the ward’s person only, meaning that the guardian does not control any of the ward’s assets, then the bond amount may not exceed $1,000 according to Arkansas Code 28-65-215. For guardianships over a ward’s estate or property and conservators, the bond amount must equal the value of the ward’s property that is under the guardian’s control.

For those who are appointed as the guardian of a ward that is a beneficiary of the Department of Veterans Affairs, the surety bond amount must be in an amount no less than the value of the personal property of the ward plus the ward’s anticipated annual income.

For example, if a guardian is appointed over an estate that has personal property valued at $60,000 and the court restricts the guardian's access to only $40,000 of the ward's assets, the guardian must obtain a $40,000 surety bond before receiving their letters of guardianship.

How Much Does the Arkansas Guardian Bond Cost?

Jet charges a minimum of $85 per year for the Arkansas Guardian bond, with the price depending on the size of the bond. Jet provides specialized tiered pricing, reducing the percentage rate for larger bond amounts. Guardians can benefit from savings by opting to purchase bonds for multiple years simultaneously.

Guardians can follow the steps listed below to determine how much their bond will cost:

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

After evaluating the ward's assets, the clerk of the circuit court will provide the guardian with their required bond amount.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Guardian bonds up to $17,000 in size will cost as low as $85 per year. For each additional $1,000 increase in size, the bond premium for preferred customers will increase by the corresponding amount outlined in the table below.

Bond AmountAdditional Premium (per $1,000)Bond Cost (1 year)
$0 - $17,000$85 flat rate$85
$17,001 - $50,000$5.00$85 - $250
$50,001 - $200,000$3.75$250 - $813
$200,001 - $500,000$2.50$813 - $1,563
$500,001 - $1,500,000$1.00$1,563 - $2,063
$1,500,000+$0.50$2,063+
Arkansas Guardianship Bond Cost Breakdown

Jet does not require credit checks for applicants with bond sizes under $25,000, or under $50,000 if the applicant has retained an attorney. Guardians may also request the court to reimburse the bond premium from estate funds. Call us at (855) 470-0877 to find out how much your guardianship bond will cost.

Types of Guardians and Their Duties

According to Chapter 65 of the Arkansas Code, there are two main types of guardians that apply to both incompetent adults or minors:

Guardian of the Person: This form of guardianship is responsible for the general care, custody, and control of the ward. This includes, but is not limited to, providing clothing, shelter, employment, education, food, and transportation.

Guardian of the Estate: Appointed for the sole purpose of managing the estate, its property, and any of the ward’s business affairs. Duties include but are not limited to, maintaining property, paying taxes, and receiving and disbursing assets.

Guardian of a VA Beneficiary: A guardian appointed by the VA to oversee and manage the benefits for a mentally or physically incompetent beneficiary, commonly a veteran. This type of guardianship is regulated under Chapter 66 of the Arkansas Code.

Conservators: Appointed by the circuit court to manage the property and estate of a person who is deemed incompetent because of advanced age or physical disability, regulated under Chapter 67 of the Arkansas Code.

Other Important Terms to Know

What Is the Purpose of the Guardian Bond?

Arkansas has laws in place to protect the well-being of people in their state. The circuit court for each county in Arkansas regulates guardians by requiring a surety bond to ensure that incompetent persons and their assets are protected while under guardianship. Obligations of the guardian include making financial and/or medical decisions for the ward, and the nature of these responsibilities may lead the guardian to make negligent or fraudulent actions. The Guardian Bond acts as a guarantee of financial restitution for individuals harmed by a fiduciary’s failure to fulfill duties outlined in Arkansas Code 28-65-215 and 28-48-201.

How Is the Guardian Selected by the Clerk of the Circuit Court?

Upon the court determining the incompetence of the ward, a guardian is appointed. Any willing individual or corporation, determined suitable by the court, may apply with the clerk of the circuit court to be a guardian. The order of appointment for guardianship in Arkansas is as follows:

If the incompetent person is mentally fit and sound, the court shall consider appointing the guardian requested by that incompetent person.

How Does the Application Process Work With Jet?

Jet’s application process is unlike any other - our goal is to get the guardian bonded as quickly as possible to allow them to focus on their fiduciary obligations. All we need is the bond limit and basic information from the guardian. Our application allows the guardian to select where to send the bond.

PURCHASE GUARDIAN BOND

Some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting a guardian bond:

How Does the Bond Get Filed to the Clerk of Circuit Court?

An original bond is to be filed with signatures from both Jet (the Surety) and the guardian. Jet fills out the bond form and sends it to the guardian to complete and file with the appropriate probate court. Jet will also send the guardian an electronic copy of their bond for reference.

Arkansas Probate Bond Filing Process

How Long Do You Need the Bond?

A surety bond must be on file with the clerk of circuit court until the minor reaches the age of 18 or the incompetent person no longer requires the care of a guardian. Until that point, the Guardian Bond is required and the fiduciary can only be released of their obligations upon approval by the court. According to Section 28-65-403 of the Arkansas Code, a guardian of the estate may file receipts and other evidence showing that they have disbursed all property entitled to the rightful parties. Once the evidence has been filed with the court and the court finds it satisfactory, they will make an order discharging the guardian and releasing the bond.

Regardless of the reason for termination or removal, the guardian’s liability is in full force until the court releases them of fiduciary duties; Jet is also liable under the terms of the bond until released by the clerk of circuit court.

Can the Arkansas Guardian Bond Be Cancelled?

If you need to cancel your Guardian Bond, you may request to do so with Jet by sending a written cancellation appeal to our email: probate@jetsurety.com

However, cancellation is not so simple. Once the Jet team has received your notice, we will then send a cancellation request to the circuit court that is handling the guardianship case. If the judge accepts the request, the bond will be officially cancelled as soon as Jet receives a release of liability.

Until your obligations as a fiduciary have been fulfilled, you will be required by the judge to file a new surety bond with the probate court before your previous bond may be cancelled. Failure to do so promptly will lead to the probate judge removing you from your fiduciary position and releasing your surety company (Jet) from future liability.

How Do I Renew the Arkansas Guardian Bond?

Bonds can be purchased annually or in multi-year terms. Regardless of the bond length, Jet will notify the guardian with ample time to provide renewal payment. If payment is not provided, Jet will notify the attorney (when applicable) and the court, respectively. If an attorney is involved, they may choose to provide the renewal bond premium but the fiduciary must reimburse them. If no attorney is involved, the court will set a hearing upon being notified of the failure to uphold the bond.

How Does a Guardian Avoid Bond Claims?

Guardians have the critical role of protecting an incapacitated person or minor. This includes making difficult decisions related to their finances, living situation, and education. Acting according to Chapter 65 of the Arkansas Code guarantees the success of guardianship. Many guardians choose to work with an attorney to ensure duties are properly fulfilled. Keeping receipts and records of all transactions is crucial for fiduciaries.

Guardian actions that may lead to a claim include, but are not limited to:

Anyone that feels the guardian is not fulfilling duties according to state regulations may file a civil suit with the clerk of circuit court. The bond may be used as restitution for the harmed individual(s) at this time.

What Happens if a Claim Is Filed on the Guardian Bond?

Upon receiving court notice of a claim on the bond, Jet has 30 days to pay the claim or ask for additional time to review it. Jet works tirelessly to protect guardians against faulty claims, which means that even if the court has requested a bond payout, we assess all documentation provided by the court and the guardian prior to paying out the claim. However, if a claim is valid and Jet pays the claimant, the guardian must pay Jet back as the guardian is ultimately liable for their actions.

Arkansas County Clerk Offices

Below is a list of all the county clerk offices located in the State of Arkansas, as well as their addresses and contact information.

County ClerkPhone NumberAddress
Arkansas County(870) 946-4349101 Court Square
DeWitt, AR 72042
Ashley County(870) 853-2020215 East Jefferson St
Hamburg, AR 71646
Baxter County(870) 425-3475One East 7th St
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Benton County(479) 271-1013215 East Central Rd
Bentonville, AR 72712
Boone County(870) 741-8428402 N. Walnut Rd
Harrison, AR 72601
Bradley County(870) 226-3464101 East Cedar Rd
Warren, AR 71671
Calhoun County(870) 798-2517P.O. Box 1175
Hampton, AR 71744
Carroll County(870) 423-2022210 West Church Ave
Berryville, AR 72616
Chicot County(870) 265-8000108 Main Street
Lake Village, AR 71653
Clark County(870) 246-4491401 Clay Street
Arkadelphia, AR 71923
Clay County(870) 598-2813151 South 2nd Ave
Piggott, AR 72454
Cleburne County(501) 362-4620300 W. Main Street
Heber Springs, AR 72543
Cleveland County(870) 325-6521P.O. Box 368
Rison, AR 71665
Columbia County(870) 235-3774One Court Square
Magnolia, AR 71753
Conway County(501) 354-9621117 South Moose Street
Morrilton, AR 72110
Craighead County(870) 933-4520511 South Main Street
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Crawford County(479) 474-1312300 Main Street, Room 7
Van Buren, AR 72956
Crittenden County(870) 739-4494100 Court Street
Marion, AR 72364
Cross County(870) 238-5735705 E. Union St., Room 8
Wynne, AR 72396
Dallas County(870) 352-2307Third and Oak St.
Fordyce, AR 71742
Desha County(870) 222-0870P.O. Box 218
Arkansas City, AR 71630
Drew County(501) 450-4909210 South Main Street
Monticello, AR 71665
Faulkner County(806) 823-2134801 Locust Street
Conway, AR 72034
Franklin County(479) 667-3609211 West Commercial Street
Ozark, AR 72949
Fulton County(870) 895-3310P.O. Box 219
Salem, AR 72576
Garland County(501) 622-3610501 Ouachita Rd, Room 103
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Grant County(870) 942-2631101 West Center #106
Sheridan, AR 72150
Greene County(870) 239-6311320 West Court Street, Rm 102
Paragould, AR 72450
Hempstead County(870) 777-2241P.O. Box 1420
Hope, AR 71802
Hot Spring County(501) 332-2291210 Locust Street
Malvern, AR 72104
Howard County(870) 845-7500421 North Main Street
Nashville, AR 71852
Independence County(870) 793-8828192 East Main Street
Batesville, AR 72501
Izard County(870) 368-4316Izard County Courthouse
Melbourne, AR 72556
Jackson County(870) 523-7420208 Main Street
Newport, AR 72112
Jefferson County(870) 541-5322101 West Barraque Street
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
Johnson County(479) 754-3967P.O. Box 57
Clarksville, AR 72830
Lafayette County(870) 921-46332 Courthouse Square
Lewisville, AR 71845
Lawrence County(870) 886-1111P.O. Box 526
Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
Lee County(870) 295-771515 East Chestnut Street
Marianna, AR 72360
Lincoln County(870) 628-5114300 South Drew
Star City, AR 71667
Little River County(870) 898-7210351 North Second Street
Ashdown, AR 71822
Logan County(479) 963-261825 West Walnut, Room 25
Paris, AR 72855
Lonoke County(501) 676-2368301 North Center Street
Lonoke, AR 72086
Madison County(479) 738-2747P.O. Box 37
Huntsville, AR 72740
Marion County(870) 449-6226P.O. Box 385
Yellville, AR 72687
Miller County(870) 774-1501400 Laurel Street, #105
Texarkana, AR 71854
Mississippi County(870) 762-2411206 North 2nd Street
Blytheville, AR 72315
Monroe County(870) 747-3632123 Madison Street
Clarendon, AR 72029
Montgomery County (870) 867-3521105 HWY 270 East #10
Mount Ida, AR 71957
Nevada County(870) 887-2710215 East 2nd Street South, Suite 102
Prescott, AR 71857
Newton County(870) 446-5125P.O. Box 410
Jasper, AR 72641
Ouachita County(870) 837-2220145 Jefferson Street
Camden, AR 71701
Perry County(501) 889-5126P.O. Box 358
Perryville, AR 72126
Phillips County(870) 338-5505620 Cherry St. #202
Helena, AR 72342
Pike County(870) 285-27431 Courthouse Square
Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Poinsett County(870) 578-4412401 Market Street
Harrisburg, AR 72432
Polk County(479) 394-8123507 Church Ave, Box 9
Mena, AR 71953
Pope County(479) 968-6064100 West Main Street
Russellville, AR 72801
Prairie County(870) 256-4434200 Courthouse Square, Ste 104
Des Arc, AR 72040
Pulaski County(501) 340-8500401 West Markham, Ste 100
Little Rock, AR 72201
Randolph County(870) 892-5822107 West Broadway
Pocahontas, AR 72455
Saline County(501) 303-5630215 North Main Street #5
Benton, AR 72015
Scott County(479) 637-2642190 W. First St., Box 10
Waldron, AR 72958
Searcy County(870) 448-3807P.O. Box 998
Marshall, AR 72650
Sebastian County(479) 782-506535 South 6th, Room 102
Fort Smith, AR 72902
Sevier County(870) 642-2852115 North 3rd Street, Room 10
DeQueen, AR 71832
Sharp County(870) 994-7361718 Ash Flat Drive
Ash Flat, AR 72513
St. Francis County(870) 261-1729313 South Izard
Forrest City, AR 72335
Stone County(870) 269-3271107 West Main Street, Ste D
Mountain View, AR 72560
Union County(870) 864-1910101 North Washington St.
El Dorado, AR 71730
Van Buren County(501) 745-6995273 Main Street #2
Clinton, AR 72031
Washington County(479) 444-1711280 North College St #300
Fayetteville, AR 72701
White County(501) 279-6204315 North Spruce
Searcy, AR 72143
Woodruff County(870) 347-2871500 North 3rd Street
Augusta, AR 72006
Yell County(479) 495-4850P.O. Box 219
Danville, AR 72833
Arkanas County Clerk Office Information
Arkansas Guardian Bond Form
Arkansas Guardian Bond Form

Notary Bond Application:

Business Information:

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information:

Employee Dishonesty Bond Application:

Business Information:

Business Description:

Coverage Requirements:

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information:

Contract Bond Application:

Business Information:

Owner Information:

Job Details:

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information:

Worker's Compensation Application:

Business Information:

Business Description:

Coverage Requirements

Indemnity Agreement:

I, the undersigned, hereby apply for a Dishonesty Bond also known as a Business Service Bond or Janitorial Service Bond (“bond”) to the Surety Company (“SURETY”) through Jet Insurance Company (“JET”), with whom I hereby grant the authority to act on my behalf with respect to the bond and assign as my Broker of Record, and declare that the statements herein are true and correct. In consideration of the SURETY issuing, renewing or substituting said bond(s), I, individually and as the owner or officer of the bonded entity, hereby understand and agree, as follows: (i) to reimburse, hold harmless, and indemnify SURETY upon demand for all loss, liability, claim, expense, including but not limited to attorneys’ fees, expert’s fees, investigative fees and claims handling fees, and any other cost which SURETY shall pay or incur in defense, adjustment, or settlement of such claims/suits by reason of such suretyship; (ii) that an itemized statement of loss and expenses by SURETY shall be indisputable proof of my liability to SURETY; (iii) coverage is subject to a $100 deductible; (iv) the employee must be convicted before coverage will apply (v) performance and any form of dispute resolution of this agreement shall take place in the county of SURETY's office of service; and (vi) a facsimile copy or electronically signed version of this agreement shall be binding as if it were an original. This agreement shall survive any changes in, substitute to or renewal of the bond(s).

Required Effect Date of Bond Policy:

Contact Information: