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Kentucky Conservator and Guardian Bond
In Kentucky, when minors or individuals are declared incompetent by the State of Kentucky, the district court judge appoints a "guardian" or "conservator" to oversee their personal or financial matters. The appointed individual, also referred to as a fiduciary, is typically obligated to obtain a surety bond as outlined in Chapter 387 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. The purpose of this bond is to safeguard the ward's interests as well as those of anyone with a stake in the ward's estate.
Have any questions? Give us a call at (855) 470-0877 and speak to a live Kentucky probate bond expert.
What Size Bond Do You Need?
The district court judge overseeing your case determines the specific amount for the Guardian/Conservator Bond. Generally, the bond's value must adequately safeguard the ward, their estate's assets, and all relevant parties. However, the court determines the specific bond amount for each case in accordance with Kentucky Revised Statute 387.070.
Suppose a fiduciary is serving as a conservator for a ward's property. In such cases, they will require a bond limit equivalent to the estimated worth of the ward's estate, encompassing their personal property and projected income for the subsequent 12 months of the conservatorship.
In cases where the Department of Veterans Affairs appoints a guardian as a fiduciary for a minor or a mentally disabled beneficiary, the guardian must secure a bond in accordance with Chapter 388 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. This bond should have a value that is at least equal to the estimated worth of the ward's personal property and the projected income for the upcoming 12 months. Additionally, the district court can request an additional bond for guardians of VA beneficiaries.
How Much Does the Kentucky Conservator and Guardian Bond Cost?
Jet sets a base price of $150 per year for either the Kentucky Guardian bond or the Kentucky Conservator bond, with the specific cost varying based on the bond's size. We provide discounted tiered pricing that reduces the percentage rate for larger bond amounts. Applicants can also save money by purchasing bonds for multiple years in advance. As per Kentucky Revised Statute 395.130, both guardians and conservators can pay for the bond using cash from the estate.
Guardians/conservators can follow the steps listed below to determine how much their bond will cost.
- Determine the Required Bond Amount
After evaluating the ward's assets, the district court clerk will provide the guardian and conservator with their required bond amount.
- Calculate the Total Cost
Guardian bonds and conservator bonds up to $20,000 in size cost $150 per year. For each additional $1,000 increase, the bond premium will increase by the corresponding amount outlined in the table below.
| Bond Amount | Additional Premium (per $1,000) | Bond Cost (1 year) |
|---|---|---|
| $0 - $20,000 | $150 flat rate | $150 |
| $20,001 - $60,000 | $6.00 | $150 - $390 |
| $60,001 - $200,000 | $5.00 | $390 - $1,090 |
| $200,001 - $500,000 | $3.75 | $1,090 - $2,215 |
| $500,001 - $1,500,000 | $2.50 | $2,215 - $4,715 |
| $1,500,000+ | $1.00 | $4,715+ |
Jet also provides reduced rates for bonds purchased for multi-year periods. To get your price, give one of our probate bond experts a call at (855) 470-0877, or simply apply online in minutes.
What Is the Difference Between a Guardian and Conservator in Kentucky?
The district court appoints conservators and guardians to assume the responsibility of caring for and making decisions on behalf of the ward. While guardians are responsible for the ward's care and finances, a conservator is only responsible for the ward’s finances. Kentucky Revised Statutes 387.010 and 387.510 set forth the specific responsibilities and duties associated with each fiduciary type. Below, you will find a description of each position along with their corresponding bond requirements.
- Guardian of a Minor: Responsible for the care, custody, and control of a minor in addition to the management of the minor’s financial resources. Guardians of a minor are required to obtain a bond before beginning their duties as guardian.
- Limited Guardian of a Minor: Appointed by the district court to only provide care and custody of a minor without the power to manage the minor’s finances. Limited guardians of a minor are not required to obtain a surety bond pursuant to Kentucky Revised Statute 387.070.
- Conservator of a Minor: Appointed by the court to exclusively manage the financial resources of a minor. Conservators of a minor are required to obtain a bond.
- Guardian of an Adult: Responsible for making decisions for all aspects of an adult’s personal affairs and meeting that person’s basic needs. Guardians of an adult will be required to obtain a surety bond in most cases.
- Limited Guardian of an Adult: Appointed to assist in managing the personal affairs of a partially disabled person with specific powers and duties explicitly stated by the court. Limited guardians of an adult will typically not be required to obtain a surety bond; however, the court may require one if they deem it necessary.
- Conservator of an Adult: Appointed to only manage the financial resources of a disabled adult. Conservators of an adult will be required to obtain a surety bond.
- Limited Conservator of an Adult: Appointed to manage the finances of a partially disabled person with specific powers and duties explicitly stated by the court. Limited conservators of an adult will be required to obtain a surety bond.
Other Important Terms to Know
- Conservatorship: The process of the district court appointing a person to manage the financial affairs of an individual
- Disabled: A legal disability measured by functional disabilities.
- Disabled Person: Anyone 17 years or older who is unable to make informed decisions with respect to his personal and financial affairs
- Guardianship: The process of the district court appointing someone to be the guardian over another individual and manage that person’s affairs
- Fiduciary: A person or organization that acts on behalf of a person or persons and is legally bound to act solely in their best interests
- Incapacitated Adult: A person over the age of 18 who has been judged by a court to be unable to manage their property or take care of themselves
- Interested Person: Any person who has an interest in the welfare or finances of a ward, including a government agency paying benefits to that individual
- Minor: An unemancipated individual under 18 years of age
- Respondent: The person who is alleged to be incapacitated and in need of a guardian/conservator
- Surety Bond: A type of insurance that protects the ward if the guardian or conservator does not fully fulfill his or her duties
- Testamentary Guardian/Conservator: An individual, agency, or corporation that is nominated in the will of a currently appointed guardian or conservator upon their death, resignation, or removal
- Ward: An incapacitated person or minor for whom a guardian/conservator has been appointed for
Why Is the Kentucky Conservator or Guardian Bond Required? Are There Surety Bond Exemptions?
The court-appointed guardian or conservator is responsible for the care and management of the minor or disabled adult, including making financial decisions and/or decisions about their health. Due to the importance of these decisions, the district courts in Kentucky regulate fiduciaries by requiring a surety bond. The bond ensures that wards and their assets are protected while under a guardianship/conservatorship and that the fiduciary is fulfilling their duties according to the district court and state standards outlined in Chapter 387 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes.
The following people are generally exempt from the surety bond requirement:
- Limited guardians of a minor
- Guardians or conservators that deposit the assets of the ward's estate into a restricted account that can not be accessed without a court order
- Guardians/conservators nominated by a will that specifically requests no surety on the bond
How Is the Conservator/Guardian Selected by the District Court?
The district court must appoint the person who best serves the ward’s interests. Any interested party, determined suitable by the court, may petition the district court to appoint a guardian or conservator. When determining who to appoint as guardian or conservator, the court will consider the following factors and qualifications of the nominee:
- The relationship the nominee has with the minor/disabled adult
- The education and business experience of the applicant
- The capability to handle the financial affairs of the ward
- The ability to carry out the specific duties and responsibilities of their role
In all cases, the court will consider the preferred nominee made by the respondent and appoint the person who will serve in the best interests of the respondent.
How To Apply for the Kentucky Guardian or Conservator Bond with Jet
Jet’s application process is unlike any other - our goal is to get the fiduciary bonded as quickly as possible to allow them to focus on their obligations. All we need is the bond limit and basic information from the applicant. Once completed and submitted, you will either receive your purchase price immediately or a Jet underwriter will review the application. Applicants for bond limits over $50,000 may need to submit documentation from the court for review.
Some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting a guardian bond or conservator bond:
- Applicant’s credit history for bond limits over $25,000 if they have not retained an attorney, or $50,000 if they have retained an attorney
- If the applicant has ever committed a felony
- If there are disputes among the estate’s beneficiaries
- Whether or not there is any ongoing business in the estate
- Whether or not the applicant owes any money to the estate
How Does the Bond Get Filed with the District Court?
When you purchase the surety bond, Jet will instantly fill out, sign, and seal the bond form, and mail it to you. At this point, it will be up to you (the fiduciary) to sign the form and complete the bond filing process with the county clerk.
Jet has provided a chart at the bottom of the page with a list of each county’s district court in the State of Kentucky and any available contact information for their offices.
Can the Kentucky Guardian or Conservator Bond Be Canceled?
At Jet, we like to make things easy for our customers, and cancellation of your bond is no exception. However, probate bonds are unique in that the probate court needs to approve the cancellation before we can take action.
To cancel your bond, send us an email at probate@jetsurety.com or give us a call. When we receive your request, we’ll contact the probate court to request a release.
If the court accepts the request, we will cancel your bond and send you a refund for any unearned premium.
How Long Do You Need the Bond?
County district courts in Kentucky require the bond to be on file for the entire term that the fiduciary is appointed, either until the minor reaches the age of 18 or the disabled adult no longer requires the care of a guardian. Until that point, the fiduciary must maintain the bond until the court releases them from their duties.
A guardian or conservator may motion the court to resign from their position if the fiduciary files a final settlement and distributes the ward’s estate as directed by the court. If the court grants the motion, the court will release the guardian or conservator from liability and the surety company will cancel the bond.
As for renewing your bond, Jet sends a renewal invoice by email and mail before the bond term’s expiration date. As long as you make your renewal payment, the bond will remain active with the district court.
How Does a Fiduciary Avoid Surety Bond Claims in Kentucky?
The district court expects the guardian or conservator to fulfill all duties and obligations listed in Chapter 387 of the Kentucky Revised Statutes. While most fiduciaries act in good faith, sometimes mismanagement or accounting blunders can cause major problems for well-meaning guardians. Therefore, we always suggest guardians hire an attorney to help manage the affairs. Here are some violations that may lead to bond claims on the Kentucky Guardian and Conservator Bond:
- Committing negligence, embezzlement, or fraud
- Misusing or misappropriation of estate assets
- Buying or selling any part of the estate without court approval
- Using estate funds or property for personal use that belongs to a trust
- Failing to submit inventory reports or account for all estate assets
Any person with proven damages caused by the guardian of the ward’s estate may file a claim against the bond. This includes the ward, creditors to the estate, or the representative of the ward.
What Happens if a Claim Is Filed on the Guardian Bond?
The district court will send notice of a bond claim to Jet after the official verdict. Once received, the Jet team will fully investigate the claim to review its validity. Jet works tirelessly to protect guardians and conservators against faulty claims, which means that even if the court has requested a bond payout, we assess all facts of the case prior to paying out the claim. However, if a claim is valid and Jet pays the claimant, the fiduciary must pay Jet back as the fiduciary is ultimately liable for their actions.
District Court Locations in Kentucky
Below is a list of all the county district courts located in the State of Kentucky, as well as their addresses and contact information.
| County Court | Phone Number | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Adair County | (270) 384-2626 | 201 Campbellsville St., Suite 101 Columbia, KY 42728 |
| Allen County | (270) 237-3561 | 200 West Main St. Scottsville, KY 42164 |
| Anderson County | (502) 839-3508 | 151 S. Main St. Lawrenceburg, KY 40342 |
| Ballard County | (270) 335-5123 | 132 N. 4th St., P.O. Box 265 Wickliffe, KY 42087-0265 |
| Barren County | (270) 651-2561 | 100 Courthouse Square, P.O. Box 1359 Glasgow, KY 42142-1359 |
| Bath County | (606) 674-2186 | 19 E. Main St., P.O. Box 558 Owingsville, KY 40360-0558 |
| Bell County | (606) 337-2942 | 101 W. Park Ave., P.O. Box 307 Pineville, KY 40977-0307 |
| Boone County | (859) 448-2900 | 6025 Rogers Lane Burlington, KY 41005 |
| Bourbon County | (770) 387-5075 | 310 Main St. Paris, KY 40361 |
| Boyd County | (606) 739-4131 | P.O. Box 688 Catlettsburg, KY 41129 |
| Boyle County | (859) 239-7442 | 321 W. Main St. Danville, KY 40422 |
| Bracken County | (606) 735-3328 | 132 W. Miami St., P.O. Box 205 Brooksville, KY 41004 |
| Breathitt County | (606) 666-5768 | 1131 Main St. Jackson, KY 41339 |
| Breckinridge County | (270) 756-2239 | 111 W. 2nd St., P.O. Box 111 Hardinsburg, KY 40143-0111 |
| Bullitt County | (502) 543-7104 | 250 Frank E. Simon Ave., P.O. Box 746 Shepherdsville, KY 40165-0746 |
| Butler County | (270) 526-5631 | 110 North Main St., P.O. Box 625 Morgantown, KY 42261-0625 |
| Caldwell County | (270) 365-6884 | 105 W. Court Square Princeton, KY 42445 |
| Calloway County | (770) 775-8204 | 312 N. 4th St. Murray, KY 42071 |
| Campbell County | (859) 292-6305 | 330 York St. Newport, KY 41071 |
| Carlisle County | (270) 628-5425 | 985 U.S. Highway 62, P.O. Box 337 Bardwell, KY 42023-0337 |
| Carroll County | (502) 732-4305 | 802 Clay St. Carrollton, KY 41008 |
| Carter County | (606) 474-5191 | 100 E. Main St. Grayson, KY 41143 |
| Casey County | (606) 787-6510 | 231 Courthouse Square, P.O. Box 147 Liberty, KY 42539-0147 |
| Christian County | (270) 889-6539 | 100 Justice Way Hopkinsville, KY 42240 |
| Clark County | (859) 737-7264 | 17 Cleveland Ave., P.O. Box 687 Winchester, KY 40392 |
| Clay County | (606) 598-3663 | 316 Main St., Suite 108 Manchester, KY 40962 |
| Clinton County | (606) 387-6424 | 100 S. Cross St., Suite 212 Albany, KY 42602 |
| Crittenden County | (270) 965-4200 | 107 S. Main St., Suite 202 Marion, KY 42064 |
| Cumberland County | (270) 864-2611 | P.O. Box 395 Burkesville, KY 42717 |
| Daviess County | (270) 687-7333 | 100 E. 2nd St., P.O. Box 277 Owensboro, KY 42302-0277 |
| Edmonson County | (270) 597-2584 | 110 Cross Main St., P.O. Box 739 Brownsville, KY 42210-0739 |
| Elliott County | (606) 738-5238 | 100 Court and Main Streets, P.O. Box 788 Sandy Hook, KY 41171-0788 |
| Estill County | (606) 723-3970 | 130 Main St., Suite 207 Irvine, KY 40336 |
| Fayette County | (859) 246-2141 | 150 N. Limestone, Room D118 Lexington, KY 40507 |
| Fleming County | (706) 312-7254 | 101 North Main Cross Flemingsburg, KY 41041 |
| Floyd County | (606) 889-1672 | 127 S. Lake Drive Prestonsburg, KY 41653 |
| Franklin County | (502) 564-7013 | 222 St. Clair St. Frankfort, KY 40601 |
| Fulton County | (270) 236-3944 | 114 E. Wellington St., P.O. Box 198 Hickman, KY 42050-0198 |
| Gallatin County | (859) 567-5241 | 100 Main St., P.O. Box 256 Warsaw, KY 41095-0256 |
| Garrard County | (859) 792-2961 | 54 Stanford St. Lancaster, KY 40444 |
| Grant County | (859) 824-4467 | 224 S. Main St. Williamstown, KY 41097 |
| Graves County | (270) 247-1733 | 1102 Paris Road, Suite 21 Mayfield, KY 42066 |
| Grayson County | (270) 259-3040 | 500 Carroll Gibson Blvd. Leitchfield, KY 42754 |
| Green County | (270) 932-5631 | 200 W. Court St. Greensburg, KY 42743 |
| Greenup County | (606) 473-9869 | 101 Harrison St., P.O. Box 676 Greenup, KY 41144-0676 |
| Hancock County | (270) 927-8144 | 310 Hawesville School Drive, P.O. Box 250 Hawesville, KY 42348-0250 |
| Hardin-Elizabethtown County | (270) 766-5000 | 120 E. Dixie Ave. Elizabethown, KY 42701 |
| Harlan County | (606) 573-2680 | 129 S. 1st St., P.O. Box 190 Harlan, KY 40831-0190 |
| Harrison County | (859) 234-1914 | 115 Court St., Suite 1 Cynthiana, KY 41031 |
| Hart County | (270) 524-5181 | 117 E. South St., P.O. Box 248 Munfordville, KY 42765-0248 |
| Henderson County | (270) 826-2405 | 5 N. Main St. P.O. Box 675 Henderson, KY 42419-0675 |
| Henry County | (502) 845-2868 | 30 N. Main St., P.O. Box 359 New Castle, KY 40050-0359 |
| Hickman County | (270) 653-3901 | 109 S. Washington St. Clinton, KY 42031 |
| Hopkins County | (270) 824-7501 | 120 E. Center St. Madisonville, KY 42431 |
| Jackson County | (606) 287-7783 | 100 First St., P.O. Box 84 McKee, KY 40447-0084 |
| Jefferson County | (502) 595-3055 | 600 W. Jefferson St. Louisville, KY 40202 |
| Jessamine County | (859) 885-4531 | 107 N. Main St. Nicholasville, KY 40356 |
| Johnson County | (606) 297-9567 | 908 3rd St., Suite 109 Paintsville, KY 41240 |
| Kenton County | (859) 292-6521 | 230 Madison Ave., 3rd Floor Covington, KY 41011 |
| Knott County | (606) 785-5021 | 53 W. Main St., P.O. Box 1317 Hindman, KY 41822 |
| Knox County | (606) 546-3075 | 401 Court Square, P.O. Box 760 Barbourville, KY 40906-0760 |
| LaRue County | (270) 358-3421 | 209 W. High St., P.O. Box 191 Hodgenville, KY 42748-0191 |
| Laurel County | (606) 330-2079 | 305 S. Main St., P.O. Box 1798 London, KY 40743-1798 |
| Lawrence County | (606) 638-4215 | 29 Riverbend Road Louisa, KY 41230 |
| Lee County | (606) 464-8400 | 256 Main St. P.O. Box E Beattyville, KY 41311 |
| Leslie County | (606) 672-2503 | 22010 Main St., P.O. Box 1750 Hyden, KY 41749-1750 |
| Letcher County | (606) 633-7559 | 156 Main St., Suite 201 Whitesburg, KY 41858 |
| Lewis County | (606) 796-3053 | 94 2nd St., P.O. Box 70 Vanceburg, KY 41179-0070 |
| Lincoln County | (606) 365-2535 | 101 E. Main St. Stanford, KY 40484 |
| Livingston County | (270) 928-2172 | 122 W. Adair St., P.O. Box 160 Smithland, KY 42081-0160 |
| Logan County | (270) 726-2424 | 329 W. 4th St., P.O. Box 420 Russellville, KY 42276-0420 |
| Lyon County | (270) 388-7231 | 500 W. Dale Ave., P.O. Box 565 Eddyville, KY 42038-0565 |
| Madison County | (859) 624-4722 | 351 W. Main St. Richmond, KY 40475 |
| Magoffin County | (606) 349-2215 | 100 E. Maple St., P.O. Box 147 Salyersville, KY 41465-0147 |
| Marion County | (270) 692-2681 | 121 N. Spalding Ave. Lebanon, KY 40033 |
| Marshall County | (270) 527-3883 | 80 Judicial Drive, Unit 101 Benton, KY 42025 |
| Martin County | (606) 298-3508 | 14 Court St., P.O. Box 430 Inez, KY 41224-0430 |
| Mason County | (606) 564-4340 | 100 W. 3rd St. Maysville, KY 41056 |
| McCracken County | (270) 575-7280 | 300 Clarence Gaines St., P.O. Box 1455 Paducah, KY 42002-1455 |
| McCreary County | (606) 376-5041 | 1 N. Main St., P.O. Box 40 Whitley City, KY 42653-0040 |
| McLean County | (270) 273-3966 | 210 E. Main St., P.O. Box 145 Calhoun, KY 42327-0145 |
| Meade County | (270) 422-4961 | 516 Hillcrest Drive Brandenburg, KY 40108-1241 |
| Menifee County | (606) 768-2461 | 12 Main St., P.O. Box 172 Frenchburg, KY 40322-0172 |
| Mercer County | (859) 734-8452 | 224 S. Main St. Harrodsburg, KY 40330 |
| Metcalfe County | (270) 432-3663 | 201 East Stockton St., P.O. Box 27 Edmonton, KY 42129-0027 |
| Monroe County | (270) 487-5480 | 300 N. Main St. Tompkinsville, KY 42167 |
| Montgomery County | (859) 498-5966 | 1 Court St., P.O. Box 327 Mount Sterling, KY 40353-0327 |
| Morgan County | (606) 743-3763 | 261 Court St. West Liberty, KY 41472 |
| Muhlenberg County | (270) 338-4850 | 136 S. Main St., P.O. Box 776 Greenville, KY 42345-0776 |
| Nelson County | (502) 348-3648 | 200 Nelson County Plaza Bardstown, KY 40004 |
| Nicholas County | (859) 289-2336 | 125 Main St., P.O. Box 109 Carlisle, KY 40311-0109 |
| Ohio County | (270) 298-3671 | 130 E. Washington, St., P.O. Box 67 Hartford, KY 42347-0067 |
| Oldham County | (502) 222-9837 | 6822 Central Ave. Crestwood, KY 40014 |
| Owen County | (502) 484-2232 | 401 S. Main St., P.O. Box 473 Owenton, KY 40539-0473 |
| Owsley County | (606) 593-6226 | 20 Main Street, P.O. Box 130 Booneville, KY 41314-0130 |
| Pendleton County | (859) 654-3347 | 120 Ridgeway Ave., P.O. Box 69 Falmouth, KY 41040-0069 |
| Perry County | (606) 435-6000 | 545 Main St., P.O. Box 7433 Hazard, KY 41702-7433 |
| Pike County | (912) 437-4888 | 175 Main St., P.O. Box 1002 Pikeville, KY 41502-1002 |
| Powell County | (606) 663-4141 | 525 Washington St., P.O. Box 578 Stanton, KY 40380-0578 |
| Pulaski County | (229) 758-4110 | 155 South First Street Room 110 Colquitt, GA 39837 |
| Robertson County | (606) 724-5993 | 127 E. Walnut St., P.O. Box 63 Mt. Olivet, KY 41064-0063 |
| Rockcastle County | (606) 256-2581 | 205 E. Main St., Room 102 Mount Vernon, KY 40456 |
| Rowan County | (606) 783-8505 | 700 W. Main St. Morehead, KY 40351 |
| Russell County | (270) 343-2185 | 202 Monument Square, Suite 106 Jamestown, KY 42629 |
| Scott County | (502) 863-0474 | 119 N. Hamilton St. Georgetown, KY 40324 |
| Shelby County | (502) 633-1287 | 401 Main St. Shelbyville, KY 40065 |
| Simpson County | (270) 586-4241 | 101 N. Court St. Franklin, KY 42134 |
| Spencer County | (502) 477-3220 | 27 E. Main St., P.O. Box 282 Taylorsville, KY 40071-0282 |
| Taylor County | (270) 465-6686 | 300 E. Main St. Campbellsville, KY 42718 |
| Todd County | (270) 265-2343 | 204 W. Main St., P.O. Box 337 Elkton, KY 42220-0337 |
| Trigg County | (270) 522-6270 | 41 Main St., P.O. Box 673 Cadiz, KY 42211-0673 |
| Trimble County | (502) 255-3213 | 30 Highway 42 E, P.O. Box 248 Bedford, KY 40006-0248 |
| Union County | (270) 389-2264 | 121 S. Morgan St., P.O. Box 59 Morganfield, KY 42437-0059 |
| Warren County | (270) 746-7400 | 1001 Center St., Suite 102 Bowling Green, KY 42101 |
| Washington County | (859) 336-3761 | 100 East Main Street, Suite 100 Springfield, KY 40069 |
| Wayne County | (606) 348-5841 | 100 W. Columbia Ave., Suite 101 Monticello, KY 42633 |
| Webster County | (270) 639-9160 | 35 U.S. Highway 41 A. South P.O. Box 290 Dixon, KY 42409-0290 |
| Whitley County | (606) 549-2973 | 100 Main St., P.O. Box 329 Williamsburg, KY 40769-0329 |
| Wolfe County | (606) 668-3736 | 133 Main Street, P. O. Box 296 Campton, KY 41301-0296 |
| Woodford County | (859) 873-3711 | 130 Court St. Versailles, KY 40383 |
