Louisiana Executor and Administrator Bonds

Probate, also known as succession in Louisiana, is the legal process after a person passes away, ensuring their assets are distributed to the rightful heirs and any outstanding debts or taxes are paid. The person that handles this process is called an executor or administrator. 

In Louisiana, the Code of Civil Procedure (CCP) 3159 requires all executors and administrators of an estate to be appointed by a court and swear an oath before assuming their fiduciary duties. This requirement exists so executors and administrators do not mismanage the estate’s assets. To provide financial protection to the estate, the probate judge will require certain executors and all administrators to obtain a surety bond. 

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

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Terms to Know when it Comes to Louisiana Personal Representative Bonds

What is the Required Bond Amount? 

According to the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure 3151, the bond amount must equal 125% of the estate’s total value. However, the court may reduce the required amount if the executor or administrator can prove the required amount is far more than what is needed to protect the interests of the estate’s beneficiaries and creditors.

How Much Does a Louisiana Personal Representative Bond Cost? 

The bond cost depends entirely on the bond amount needed for the estate. The executor or administrator will pay only a fraction of that bond amount. 

To determine how much the bond will cost, the fiduciary can follow the steps listed below:

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

The probate judge or county clerk determines the bond amount based on the total amount of the estate, including any real estate, that the fiduciary has to oversee.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Jet Surety charges $150 per year for all administrator bonds up to $20,000 in size. For each additional $1,000 increase in the bond amount, the bond premium will increase by the corresponding amount outlined in the table below. See the chart below to calculate the price for larger bonds.

Bond AmountAdditional 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+
Louisiana Executor and Administrator Bonds 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. California Probate Code 8486 allows administrators to charge the bond premium as an estate expense. 

Call us at (855) 470-0877 for an estimate of how much your probate bond will cost.

What is the Process of Becoming an Executor or Administrator in Louisiana? 

Step 1 – Meet the Qualifications

The following individuals are not eligible to serve as personal representatives:

Step 2 – Determine Priority

The court determines priority for serving as the executor of the estate as follows:

Step 3 – Hire an Attorney

Although not explicitly required, we recommend that fiduciaries hire an attorney to assist with the probate process.

Step 4 – Determine the Succession Type

Louisiana has four distinct succession (probate) types, as outlined below:

Step 5 - Contact the Court

Executors and administrators must contact the district court with jurisdiction over the deceased individual’s estate. A representative of the court will walk the executor or administrator through the appointment process, provide them with all required forms, and answer any questions they may have.

Step 6 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Unless exempt (see below), executors and administrators must obtain and maintain a surety bond.

What are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative in Louisiana? 

The executor or administrator in Louisiana has several key responsibilities in managing the probate process and settling the deceased person's estate. The primary duties include:

What is the Purpose of a Louisiana Personal Representative Bond?

Due to the responsibilities listed in the prior section, Louisiana requires fiduciaries to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to being appointed as a fiduciary over an estate’s assets. The bond ensures that the estate’s beneficiaries and creditors will receive compensation for financial harm if the personal representative fails to abide by state regulations. Specifically, the bond protects beneficiaries and creditors if the personal representative engages in fraud or mismanages the estate’s assets by violating their fiduciary duties.

Do all Estates in Louisiana Require a Bond?

Executors are only required to purchase a bond in the following situations:

However, according to Louisiana statute CCP 3151, all administrators must furnish a bond in the amount 125% of the estate. Provisional administrators and testamentary executors must also provide a bond according to Louisiana CCP 3152 and 3153

How Does the Application Process Work With Jet?

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

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Here are some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting a personal representative bond:

How Do You File a Personal Representative Bond with the Court?

Jet (the Surety) and the personal representative must sign the original bond. Jet fills out the bond form, signs as the Surety, and sends the original bond to the representative to sign and file the completed bond with the probate court. Jet will also send the representative an electronic copy of their bond for reference.

Louisiana Probate Bond Process

How Do You Renew the Louisiana Executor or Administrator Bond?

Jet will notify the fiduciary well in advance of the renewal date to ensure timely renewal payment. Jet will inform the attorney (when applicable) and the court if you do not make your payment. If an attorney is involved, they may decide to pay the renewal bond premium, but the fiduciary must reimburse them. The court will set a hearing upon being notified of the failure to maintain the bond.

How Long Do You Need the Bond?

The court will release the bond once the fiduciary has paid all debts, distributed all assets, and provided a final accounting approved by the court. If the estate settlement extends beyond a year, the personal representative must submit an annual accounting to the court. After obtaining the release, the personal representative simply needs to email a copy to probate@jetsurety.com so that we can cancel the bond and issue any applicable refund due back to the personal representative.

What Actions of a Fiduciary Can Lead to Surety Bond Claims?

Executors and administrators have a critical role in the settlement of an estate and are relied on by the heirs, creditors, and the circuit court to fulfill these obligations. Complaints regarding failure to uphold duties may arise from the heirs and creditors if they feel the personal representative has not settled the estate properly. Your diligence in keeping receipts and records of all transactions as the personal representative is essential.

Some examples of potential actions that could cause a claim:

What Happens if a Claim Is Filed on the Probate 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 our clients 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 fiduciary before paying out the claim. However, if a claim is valid and Jet pays the claimant, the executor or administrator must pay Jet back as the ficuciary is ultimately liable for their actions.

Civil District Court Locations in Louisiana

Below is a list of all the civil district courts located in the State of Louisiana, as well as their addresses and contact information.

County CourtPhone NumberAddress
Acadia Parish(337) 788-8881500 N. Parkerson Ave
Crowley, LA 70527
Allen Parish(337) 636-4351400 W 6th Ave
Oberlin, LA 70655
Ascension Parish(225) 621-8500607 East Worthey St., Third Floor
Gonzales, LA 70737
Assumption Parish(985) 369-66534809 Hwy 1
Napoleonville, LA 70390
Avoyelles Parish(318) 253-7523312 North Main Street
Marksville, LA 71351
Beauregard Parish(337) 463-7993200 West Second Street
DeRidder, LA 70634
Bienville Parish(318) 263-7408100 Courthouse Drive, Ste 2200
Arcadia, LA 71001
Bossier Parish(318) 965-2336204 Burt Boulevard
Benton, LA 71006
Caddo Parish(318) 226-6776501 Texas Street, Room 103
Shreveport, LA 7101
Calcasieu Parish(337) 721-31001001 Lakeshore Drive
Lake Charles, LA 70601
Caldwell Parish(318) 649-7410201 Main Street
Columbia, LA 71418
Cameron Parish(337) 775-5649119 Smith Circle
Cameron, LA 70631
Catahoula Parish(318) 336-55264001 Carter St Ste 9
Vidalia, LA 71373
Clairborne Parish(318) 927-4862511 West Main Street
Homer, LA 71040
Concordia Parish(318) 336-42044001 Carter St Room 5
Vidalia, LA 71373
DeSoto Parish(318) 872-3788101 Texas Street
Mansfield, LA 71052
East Baton Rouge Parish(225) 389-4700300 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70801
East Carroll Parish(318) 559-2388400 First Street
Lake Providence, LA 71254
East Faliciana Parish(225) 683-480012220 St. Helena St.
Clinton, LA 70722
Evangeline Parish(337) 363-5671200 Court Street, Ste 104
Ville Platte, LA 70586
Franklin Parish(318) 435-51336550 Main Street
Winnsboro, LA 71295
Grant Parish(318) 627-3244200 Main St
Colfax, LA 71417
Iberia Parish(337) 369-4410300 Iberia Street
New Iberia, LA 70560
Iberville Parish(225) 687-523058050 Meriam St.
Plaquemine, LA 70764
Jackson Parish(318) 259-4112500 East Court Ave, Rm 201
Jonesboro, LA 71251
Jefferson Davis Parish(337) 824-3506300 North State Street
Jennings, LA 70546
Jefferson Parish(504) 364-3998200 DERBIGNY STREET
Gretna, LA 70053
Lafayette Parish(337) 291-6400800 S. Buchanan St.
LaFayette, LA 70501
Lafourche Parish(985) 447-5550303 West Third Street
Thibodaux, LA 70302
LaSalle Parish(318) 992-20021050 Courthouse Street, Room 4
Jena, LA 71342
Lincoln Parish(318) 251-5121100 West Texas Avenue, 3rd Floor
Ruston, LA 71270
Livingston Parish(225) 686-746120300 Government Street
Livingston, LA 70754
Madison Parish(318) 574-2712100 North Cedar Street
Tallulah, LA 71282
Morehouse Parish(318) 281-3343100 East Madison Street
Bastrop, LA 71220
Natchitoches Parish(318) 352-2034200 Church Street
Natchitoches, LA 71457
Orleans Parish(504) 407-0000421 Loyola Avenue
New Orleans, LA 70112
Ouachita Parish(318) 327-1444300 St John Street
Monroe, LA 71201
Plaquemines Parish(504) 392-669018055 Highway 15
Pointe a la Hache, LA 70082
Pointe Coupee Parish(225) 638-5532201 E Main Street
New Roads, LA 70760
Rapides Parish(318) 443-6893701 Murray Street, Suite 501
Alexandria, LA 71301
Red River Parish(318) 932-6741615 East Carroll Street
Coushatta, LA 71019
Richland Parish(318) 728-4171708 Julia Street
Rayville, LA 71269
Sabine Parish(318) 256-6223400 South Capital, Room 102
Many, LA 71449
St. Bernard Parish(504) 271-34341101 W. St. Bernard Hwy.
Chalmette, LA 70043
St. Charles Parish(985) 783-500015045 River Road
Hahnville, LA 70057
St. Helena Parish(225) 222-6492369 Sitman Street
Greensburg, LA 70441
St. James Parish(225) 562-22705800 LA Hwy 44, 2nd Floor
Convent, LA 70723
St. John the Baptist Parish(985) 497-33312393 Highway 18
Edgard, LA 70049
St. Landry Parish(337) 942-5606118 South Court Street, Ste 207
Opelousas, LA 70570
St. Martin Parish(337) 394-2210415 S. Main St.
St. Martinville, LA 70502
St. Mary Parish(337) 828-4100500 Main St
Franklin, LA 70538
St. Tammany Parish(985) 809-8700701 N Columbia Street
Covington, LA 70433
Tangipahoa Parish(985) 748-9445110 North Bay Street
Amite, LA 70422
Tensas Parish(318) 766-3233201 Hancock Street
St. Joseph, LA 71366
Terrebonne Parish(985) 580-81027856 Main Street
Houma, LA 70360
Union Parish(318) 368-9734100 East Bayou, Suite 202
Farmerville, LA 71241
Vermilion Parish(337) 898-1992100 North State St.
Abbeville, LA 70510
Vernon Parish(337) 239-2147215 S. 4th Street
Leesville, LA 71446
Washington Parish(985) 839-4663908 Washington St
Franklinton, LA 70438
Webster Parish(318) 371-0366410 Main Street
Minden, LA 71055
West Baton Rouge Parish(225) 336-2419850 8th Street
Port Allen, LA 70767
West Carroll Parish(318) 428-3281305 East Main Street, Room 101
Oak Grove, LA 71263
West Faliciana Parish(225) 635-43634785 Prosperity Street
St. Francisville, LA 70775
Winn Parish(318) 628-4596119 W Main Street
Winnfield, LA 71483
Louisiana Civil District Court Contact Information
Louisiana Probate Bond Form
Louisiana Probate 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: