Maryland Personal Representative Bond

Maryland Personal Representative Bond

Estate administration – also known as “probate” – is the legal process of collecting the assets and property of someone who has passed away, paying off debts, and distributing those assets to the heirs. The Register of Will’s office in the decedent’s county appoints a personal representative to handle these tasks for the estate.

Maryland Estates and Trusts Code 6-102 requires most personal representatives to post a surety bond before being appointed. This bond financially protects the estate's beneficiaries and creditors, ensuring that the personal representative fulfills their duties responsibly and according to law.

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

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What is the Required Bond Amount?

Maryland Estates and Trusts Code 6-102e states the bond amount should be no greater than the maximum value of the estate’s personal property. The Register of Wills may reduce the bond amount by any collateral posted with the Register or if the personal representative deposits estate funds in a restricted account. The Register of Wills overseeing the case will set the required bond amount during the appointment process. 

Even if the bond requirement is excused or waived, the Register still requires a nominal probate bond for all estates to cover the value of any debts or inheritance taxes payable by the personal representative.

How Much Does a Maryland Personal Representative Bond Cost? 

The Maryland Personal Representative Bond costs a minimum of $85 per year. Apply online in minutes or call one of our probate bond experts at (855) 470-0877 to find out exactly how much your bond will cost.

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

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

The Register of Wills sets the bond amount based on the maximum value of the estate’s personal property minus any deposits with the Register of Wills. If the bond amount is waived or excused, the personal representative must obtain a nominal probate bond.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Jet Surety charges $85 per year for all personal representative bonds up to $17,000 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 - $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+
Maryland Personal Representative 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. Maryland Estates and Trusts Code 6-102g allows personal representatives 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 a Personal Representative in Maryland? 

Step 1 – Hire an Attorney

Although not explicitly required, it is highly recommended that personal representatives hire an attorney to assist with probating a small estate. 

Step 2 – Determine Priority

The Register of Wills requires the following items to be completed before applying to become a personal representative:

If the estate has assets valued under $50,000, the personal representative must complete Schedules B and C of the petition. If valued over $50,000, they must complete Schedule A. Applicants can find all the necessary forms online through the Register of Wills’ website here

Step 3 – Contact the Register of Wills

Anyone seeking to apply for administration of an estate must contact the Register of Wills in the county where the decedent resided or owned property. A register will walk the personal representative through the appointment process, provide them with all required forms, and answer any questions they may have. Scroll to the bottom of this page for the list of county Register of Wills’ offices and their contact information.

Step 4 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Unless otherwise exempt, personal representatives must purchase and maintain a surety bond (exemptions outlined below).

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What is the Purpose of a Maryland Personal Representative Bond?

Personal representatives are responsible for the management, preservation, and distribution of the deceased person’s estate. Maryland Estates and Trusts Code 6-102 requires fiduciaries to post a probate surety bond to ensure that the estate assets are managed in accordance with estate regulations and Maryland law. If the fiduciary fails to fulfill their duties, the surety bond is a financial guarantee for any damaged interested party of the estate, such as an heir or creditor.

Even if the court waives the standard bond requirement, the personal representative must obtain a nominal probate bond to ensure they satisfy all debts and tax obligations of the estate.

What are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative in Maryland? 

Personal representatives in Maryland have several key responsibilities in managing the probate process and settling the deceased person's estate. The primary duties are outlined in Title 6 of Maryland’s Estate Code and include the following:

How is the Estate Distributed if There's No Will?

If the deceased person did not leave behind a will, the personal representative must distribute assets according to intestate succession. We’ve researched how estate assets flow in these cases and provided a general overview of the distribution order below.

If the decedent is survived by:

Intestate succession is another example of why an effective estate plan is essential to control who receives property when one passes. We are not licensed attorneys, so we recommend consulting with a licensed estate or probate attorney when managing an estate.

When is a Bond Not Required in Maryland?

According to Maryland Estates and Trusts Code 6-102, the Register of Wills may waive the surety bond requirement for personal representatives in the following situations:

If the court waives the standard bond requirement, the personal representative must still post a nominal probate bond to guarantee they will pay all estate debts and taxes.

How Does the Application Process Work with Jet?

Jet’s application process is simple and fast - we aim to get the personal representative bonded as quickly as possible so they can focus on their obligations. All we need is the bond amount and basic information about the estate.

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Once completed and submitted, you will receive your purchase price immediately, or a Jet underwriter will reach out for more information. Some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting these types of bonds:

Applicants for bond limits over $50,000 must submit documentation from the court for review, such as a petition for appointment and the order from the court requiring the bond. If you have any questions about applying, please call our probate underwriters at (855) 470-0877.

How Do You File a Personal Representative Bond with the Register of Wills?

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 Register of Wills. Jet will also send the representative an electronic copy of their bond for reference. 

Maryland Probate Bond Filing

Important Terms to Know in Maryland Probate

How Do You Renew the Maryland Personal Representative Bond?

Jet will notify the personal representative well before the renewal date to ensure timely payment. Jet will inform the attorney (when applicable) and the Register of Wills if payment is not made. If the renewal remains unpaid, the Register will set a hearing upon being notified of failing to maintain the bond.

How Long Do You Need the Maryland Personal Representative Bond?

The Register of Wills can release the bond once the personal representative has paid all debts, distributed all assets, and provided an approved final accounting. Once the estate is settled, the personal representative simply needs to email documentation to probate@jetsurety.com so that we can cancel the bond and issue any applicable refund due back to the personal representative. All premiums paid after the first year are subject to a prorated refund for the unused term.

What Actions of a Personal Representative Can Lead to Surety Bond Claims?

Personal representatives have a critical role in settling an estate, and any unethical action could financially damage the estate’s heirs, creditors, or the State of Maryland. Anyone appointed as a personal representative must adhere to all estate regulations and ensure they fulfill all responsibilities outlined in Title 6 of Maryland’s Estate Code. 

Some examples of potential actions that could cause a claim: 

An heir or creditor to the estate with proven financial damages caused by the personal representative may file a claim against their bond. To avoid a bond claim, we highly recommend that personal representatives retain the services of an attorney to assist in managing the case.

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

Upon receiving 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, so even if the Register of Wills requests a bond payout, we assess all documentation provided before paying out the claim. However, if a claim is valid and Jet pays the claimant, the personal representative must pay Jet back as the representative is ultimately liable for their own actions.

Register of Wills Locations in Maryland

Below is a list of all the Register of Wills' offices located in the State of Maryland, as well as their addresses and contact information.

County RegisterPhoneMailing AddressEmail
Allegany County301-724-3760Annex Courthouse
59 Prospect Square - 1st Floor
Cumberland, Maryland 21502
mpirolozzi@registers.maryland.gov
Anne Arundel County410-222-14302011 E Commerce Park Drive
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
row.aacounty@registers.maryland.gov
Baltimore County410-887-6680County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 500
Towson, Maryland 21204
rowbco@registers.maryland.gov
Baltimore City County410-752-5131Courthouse East
111 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Calvert County410-535-1600 x2256175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678
mphipps@registers.maryland.gov
Caroline County410-479-0717109 Market Street, Room 119
Denton, Maryland 21629
jphelps@registers.maryland.gov
Carroll County410-848-258655 North Court Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157
carrollcountyrow@registers.maryland.gov
Cecil County410-996-5330129 East Main Street, Ste 102
Elkton, Maryland 21921
cecilcountyrow@registers.maryland.gov
Charles County301-932-334511 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646-3080
lhennessy@registers.maryland.gov
Dorchester County410-228-4181206 High Street
Cambridge, Maryland 21613
dorchesterrow@registers.maryland.gov
Frederick County301-600-6565100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
Garrett County301-334-1999313 East Alder Street
Room 103
Oakland, Maryland 21550
rwatson@registers.maryland.gov
Harford County410-638-327518 Office Street, 1st Floor
Bel Air, Maryland 21014
rraspe@registers.maryland.gov
Howard County 410-313-21339250 Judicial Way, Ste 1100
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043
howardcountyrow@registers.maryland.gov
Kent County410-778-7466103 North Cross Street
Chestertown, MD 21620
kosborn@registers.maryland.gov
Montgomery County240-777-960050 Maryland Avenue
North Tower 3220
Rockville, Maryland 20850
montgomerycountyrow@registers.maryland.gov
Prince George's County301-952-325014735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro,MD 20773
rowprincegeorges@registers.maryland.gov
Queen Anne's County410-758-0585107 North Liberty Street
Suite 220
Centreville, MD 21617
lcook@registers.maryland.gov
Somerset County410-651-169630512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
St. Mary's County301-475-556641605 Courthouse Drive
Room #G008
Leonardtown, MD 20650
stmarysrow@registers.maryland.gov
Talbot County410-770-670011 N. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601
pcampen@registers.maryland.gov
Washington County301-739-3612100 W. Washington Street
Suite 3400
Hagerstown, MD 21740
pcook@registers.maryland.gov
Wicomico County410-543-6635101 North Division Street
Room 102
Salisbury, MD 21801
Worcester County410-632-15291 West Market Street
Room 102
Snow Hill, MD 21863
twestcott@registers.maryland.gov
Maryland Register of Wills Locations and Contact Information

Maryland Personal Representative Bond Form
Maryland Personal Representative 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: