Louisiana Guardian Bond

Louisiana Probate Bond

In Louisiana, the guardianship laws are unique compared to other U.S. states due to the French influence on the state's legal tradition. When a person cannot make consistent and rational decisions about themselves or their property, the civil district court will declare them an "interdict" and appoint a curator. The "curator," also referred to as a "tutor" for minors, is responsible for managing the personal or financial affairs of the incompetent adult/minor. Curators and tutors controlling an estate must obtain a surety bond according to Title VI and Title VIII of Louisiana’s Code of Civil Procedure. The bond protects the interdict and the interests of anyone involved in the interdict's estate.

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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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What Size Bond Do You Need?

After a person applies to be appointed as a curator or tutor, the civil district court will order a notary to review the estate and property of the defendant (the minor or incompetent adult). The notary will provide a detailed inventory and appraisal of the defendant’s property to the judge, and the judge will set the required bond amount based on that appraised value of the estate.

Generally, the bond must be sufficient to protect the total value of the personal property in the estate and to cover any potential losses caused by the curator’s actions as required by LA Code Civ Pro Art. 4131. The court may also increase or decrease the bond amount to reflect any change in the estate’s value.

How Much Does the Louisiana Guardian Bond Cost?

Jet charges $150 per year for the Louisiana Guardian bond for bond amounts up to $20,000. See the chart below to calculate the price for larger bonds. We offer special tiered pricing that decreases the percentage rate paid for larger bond amounts. In Louisiana, curators and tutors may pay the bond premium from the estate’s funds according to LA Code Civ Pro Art. 4550.

To determine how much the bond will cost, curators and tutors can follow the steps listed below:

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

The civil district court judge will set the required bond amount based on the appraised value given by the notary after taking inventory.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Guardian 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 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 Guardianship Bond Cost Breakdown

Applicants can also save money by purchasing bonds for multiple years in advance. Apply online in minutes or call one of our probate bond experts at (855) 470-0877 to determine how much your bond will cost.

What Is the Difference Between a Curator and Tutor in Louisiana?

Curators are appointed to manage the affairs of an adult, while tutors are appointed to make decisions on behalf of a minor child. Both tutors and curators can be appointed under a full or limited interdiction, depending on the circumstances of their case. You can find the specific details and responsibilities for both, along with the different types of interdiction, listed below:

Other Important Terms to Know

Why Is the Louisiana Guardain Bond Required? Are There Surety Bond Exemptions?

When a curator/tutor is appointed to a full interdiction or limited interdiction over a person’s estate, the Louisiana civil district court will require a surety bond according to LA Code Civ Pro Art. 4563. The bond safeguards the interests and well-being of the person under interdiction and serves as a form of insurance that guarantees the responsible and ethical behavior of the curator/tutor.

By requiring a bond, the court can help prevent potential mismanagement or misuse of the interdict's property by the curator and ensure they act in accordance with Title VIII of Louisiana’s Code of Civil Procedure. The bond can also be used to compensate the person under interdiction for any losses incurred due to the curator’s actions.

The following people are generally exempt from the surety bond requirement:

When a tutorship is required because of a personal injury money claim or another kind of contested claim for damages, the court may postpone the bond requirement until the minor is awarded the claim.

How Is the Curator Appointed by the Civil District Court?

The civil district court must appoint a curator or tutor who will serve in the best interests of the interdict. Any person determined suitable by the court may petition for the appointment of a curator or tutor. The order of appointment for curators set forth in LA Code Civ Pro Art. 4561 is as follows:

The court may choose to select someone with lower legal preference if they determine they will serve the interdict best. Without notice or opposition, the court may grant temporary curatorship to a qualified individual before the primary interdiction hearing. The temporary curatorship holds only if there is evidence that the interdict’s well-being or property is in imminent danger.

How To Apply for the Louisiana Guardian Bond With Jet 

Jet’s application process is simple and fast - our goal is to get the curator bonded as quickly as possible so they can focus on their legal obligations. All we need is the bond amount and basic information about the estate. Applicants for bond limits over $50,000 will likely need to submit documentation from the court for review.

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Some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting these types of bonds:

How Does the Bond Get Filed with the Civil District Court?

After you purchase the bond, Jet will fill in the required information on the bond form, sign and affix a raised seal, and mail the original bond to your desired address. When the original bond is received, the curator or tutor should sign as the principal and file the bond with the civil district court in the parish where the incompetent adult/minor resides or owns property.

Once the curator files their bond with the clerk and signs an oath stating they will faithfully perform their duties, the clerk will issue letters of curatorship within the following ten days. Jet has provided a chart at the bottom of the page with a list of civil district courts in each parish across the State of Louisiana, including contact information for their offices.

Louisiana Probate Bond Process

Can the Louisiana Guardian Bond Be Canceled?

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

However, the court must first release you from your fiduciary duties. Once the Jet team has received your request, we will send a cancellation request to the court overseeing your case. If the court accepts the request, Jet will cancel the bond and provide a refund of any unearned premium.

How Long Do You Need the Bond?

Civil district courts in Louisiana require the bond to be on file for the entire term the curator or tutor is appointed, either until the minor reaches the age of 18 or the court rules that the interdiction is no longer necessary. Until that point, the curator/tutor must maintain their bond and can only be relieved of their obligations upon court approval.

Any person, including the curator or the interdict, may motion the court to terminate the interdiction. If the court finds indisputable evidence that the protective relationship is no longer in the best interest of the interdict, they will remove the curator or tutor from their position and appoint a successor. The curator must submit a final accounting and inventory of the interdict’s estate before their removal.

As for renewing your bond, Jet will send a renewal invoice far in advance of the bond term’s expiration date. The bond will remain active with the civil district court as long as you make your renewal payment.

How Does a Curator Avoid Surety Bond Claims in Louisiana?

The civil district court expects the curator or tutor to fulfill all duties and obligations listed in Title VI and Title VIII of Louisiana’s Code of Civil Procedure. Despite the fact that most curators act in good faith, sometimes mismanagement or accounting blunders can cause major problems. Therefore, we always suggest hiring an attorney to help manage the financial affairs of the interdict. Here are some violations that may lead to bond claims on the Louisiana Guardian Bond:

Any person with proven damages caused by the curator of the interdict’s estate may file a claim against the bond. This includes the interdict, creditors to their estate, or the representative of the interdict.

What Happens if I Get a Louisiana Guardian Bond Claim?

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 curators and tutors against faulty claims. Even if the court has requested a bond payout, we assess all documentation provided by the court and the curator before paying out the claim. However, if a claim is valid and Jet pays the claimant, the curator must pay Jet back as they are 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: