Mississippi Conservator and Guardian Bond

Mississippi Probate Bond

In Mississippi, when a person cannot take care of themselves or their property, they are legally deemed "wards" of the state. The chancery court then appoints a "conservator" or "guardian" as their decision-maker. The appointed individual, also known as a fiduciary, may be required to obtain a surety bond as outlined in Chapter 20 of the Mississippi Code. The surety bond protects the interests of the ward and their estate from any financial harm caused by the actions of the conservator or guardian.

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

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What Size Bond Do You Need?

The chancery court overseeing your case will set the required amount for the Conservator/Guardian Bond. Generally, the bond amount must be sufficient to protect the ward, their estate, and all relevant parties.

The chancery court will require guardians to post a bond on a case-by-case basis, with the court determining the specific amount pursuant to MS Code § 93-13-17. The required bond size for conservators is set forth in MS Code § 93-20-416 and is calculated based on the following: 

  1. the value of the estate property in the fiduciary’s control
    • plus 
  2. one year’s estimated income
    • minus
  3. the value of deposited securities arranged through a court order for their removal
    • minus 
  4. the value of the land the fiduciary is unable to sell without court approval.

How Much Does the Mississippi Conservator and Guardian Bond Cost?

Jet charges a base price of $150 per year for the Mississippi Guardian Bond or the Mississippi Conservator Bond, with the specific cost varying depending on the bond amount. See the chart below to calculate the price for larger bonds. In Mississippi, conservators and guardians can request that the court reimburse them for the bond premium from the estate’s funds pursuant to MS Code § 93-20-119.

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

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

After reviewing the case details, the chancery court judge will determine the required bond amount for the conservator/guardian.

  1. 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 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+
Mississippi Guardianship/Conservatorship Bond Cost

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. 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 Conservator and a Guardian in Mississippi?

A guardian is legally responsible for taking custody of and providing care for a ward, including making medical and personal decisions on their behalf. In contrast, a conservator only has authority and accountability over the ward's finances, property, and monetary matters. Chapter 20 of the Mississippi Code sets forth the responsibilities and duties of each fiduciary type. Below are descriptions of each position, along with their corresponding bond requirements:

Other Important Terms to Know

Why Is the Mississippi Conservator or Guardian Bond Required? Are There Surety Bond Exemptions?

The chancery court appoints guardians and conservators to manage a ward's everyday choices and financial affairs. This includes making financial, health, and other major life decisions that will have a lasting impact on the ward. To protect the ward from any potential harm caused by the decisions of a guardian or conservator, the State of Mississippi may require a surety bond. The bond is a financial guarantee that safeguards the ward’s estate if the guardian or conservator does not fully comply with the chancery court and state standards outlined in Chapter 20 of the Mississippi Code.

The court may waive the surety bond requirement in the following situations:

Conservators who do not wish to purchase a surety bond can request permission to submit another form of collateral, such as a pledge of securities or a mortgage of land.

How Is the Conservator/Guardian Appointed by the Chancery Court?

The chancery court will always appoint the person who best serves the ward's interests. Any interested party may petition the court to appoint a conservator or guardian over another individual. When determining who to appoint as guardian or conservator, the court will consider the following factors and qualifications of the petitioner:

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 Mississippi 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 about the estate. 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 will likely need to submit documentation from the court for review.

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

How Does the Bond Get Filed with the Chancery Court?

When you purchase the surety bond, you will immediately receive an electronic copy of your bond with a receipt. Afterward, Jet will complete the bond form, attach our raised seal, and mail it to you. You will simply need to sign the form and deliver it to the chancery court overseeing your case. You must complete this step before the clerk can issue letters of guardianship or conservatorship.

Jet has provided a chart at the bottom of the page with a list of all chancery court locations in the State of Mississippi and any available contact information for their offices.

Mississippi Probate Bond Process

Can the Mississippi 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 chancery 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 chancery 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?

In Mississippi, the chancery court requires that the bond remain on record throughout the fiduciary's entire appointment period, which spans until the adult is no longer in need of a guardian or the minor turns 18 years old. The fiduciary is responsible for upholding the bond until the court relieves them of their responsibilities.

A guardian or conservator can file a petition to the court to terminate the fiduciary relationship, and the court will grant the petition if they find that there is no longer a basis for the appointment. Once the judge approves, 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 chancery court.

How Does a Fiduciary Avoid Surety Bond Claims in Mississippi?

Guardians and conservators in Mississippi must adhere to all court orders and ensure they fulfill all responsibilities and obligations outlined in Chapter 20 of the Mississippi Code. While most fiduciaries act with good intentions, occasional mismanagement or errors in accounting can lead to significant challenges for well-intentioned guardians. To avoid these issues, we highly recommend that guardians retain the services of an attorney to assist in managing the case.

Here are some violations that may lead to bond claims on the Mississippi Guardian Bond:

Any person with proven damages caused by the actions of the guardian or conservator may file a claim against the bond, including the ward, creditors to the estate, or the ward's representative.

What Happens if I Get a Mississippi Guardian Bond Claim?

If the chancery court decides to proceed with a claim on your bond, they will send a claim notice to Jet. Once received, the Jet team will conduct a review and investigation of the claim to determine if it is justified.

Per the Mississippi Guardian Bond form, the surety company must pay valid claims to the claimant not to exceed the bond amount. As a fiduciary and indemnitor, you will ultimately be required to reimburse Jet Insurance Company for the full claim payout amount.

Chancery Court Locations in Mississippi

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

County CourtPhone NumberAddress
Adams County(601) 446-6684115 S. Wall Street
Natchez, MS 39120
Alcorn County(662) 286-7700P.O. Box 69
Corinth, MS 38835
Amite County(601) 657-8022P.O. Box 680
Liberty, MS 39645
Attala County(662) 289-2921230 West Washington Street
Kosciusko, MS 39090
Benton County(662) 224-6300P.O. Box 218
Ashland, MS 38603
Bolivar County(662) 412-3117P.O. Box 238
Rosedale, MS 38769
Calhoun County(606) 337-2942P.O. Box 8
Pittsboro, MS 38951
Carroll County(662) 237-9274P.O. Box 60
Carrollton, MS 38917
Chickasaw County(662) 456-25131 Pinson Square Rd.
Houston, MS 38851
Choctaw County(662) 285-6329P.O. Box 250
Ackerman, MS 39735
Claiborne County(601) 437-4992P.O. Box 449
Port Gibson, MS 39150
Clarke County(601) 776-2126P.O. Box 689
Quitman, MS 39355
Clay County(662) 494-3124P.O. Box 815
West Point, MS 39773
Coahoma County(662) 624-3000P.O. Box 98
Clarksdale, MS 38614
Copiah County(601) 894-4101P.O. Box 507
Hazelhurst, MS 39083
Covington County(601) 765-4242P.O. Drawer 1679
Collins, MS 39428
DeSoto County(270) 365-6884P.O. Box 949
Hernando, MS 38632
Forrest County(601) 545-6014P.O. Box 951
Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Franklin County(601) 384-2330P.O. Box 297
Meadville, MS 39653
George County(601) 947-4801355 Cox Street, Suite A
Lucedale, MS 39452
Greene County(601) 394-2377P.O. Box 610
Leakesville, MS 39451
Grenada County(662) 226-1821P.O. Box 1208
Grenada, MS 38902
Hancock County(228) 467-5406152 Main Street, Suite A
Bay St. Louis, MS 39520
Harrison County(228) 865-4036P.O. Drawer CC
Gulfport, MS 39502
Hinds County(601) 968-6537P.O. Box 686
Jackson, MS 39205
Holmes County(662) 834-2508P.O. Box 239
Lexington, MS 39095
Humphreys County(662) 247-1740P.O. Box 547
Belzoni, MS 39038
Issaquena County(662) 873-2761P.O. Box 27
Mayersville, MS 39113
Itawamba County(662) 862-3421P.O. Box 776
Fulton, MS 38843
Jackson County(228) 769-3124P.O. Box 998
Pascagoula, MS 39568
Jasper County(601) 727-4971P.O. Box 38
Paulding, MS 39348
Jefferson County(601) 786-3021P.O. Box 145
Fayette, MS 39069
Jefferson Davis County(601) 792-4204P.O. Box 1137
Prentiss, MS 39474
Jones County(601) 477-3307P.O. Box 248
Ellisville, MS 39437
Kemper County(601) 743-2460P.O. Box 188
Dekalb, MS 39328
Lafayette County(662) 234-7563P.O. Box 1240
Oxford, MS 38655
Lamar County(601) 794-8504P.O. Box 247
Purvis, MS 39475
Lauderdale County(601) 482-9701P.O. Box 1587
Meridian, MS 39302
Lawrence County(601) 587-7162P.O. Box 821
Monticello, MS 39654
Leake County(859) 792-2961P.O. Box 72
Carthage, MS 39051
Lee County(662) 432-2100P.O. Box 7127
Tupelo, MS 38802
LeFlore County(662) 453-6203P.O. Box 250
Greenwood, MS 38935
Lincoln County(601) 835-3411P.O. Box 555
Brookhaven, MS 39602
Lowndes County(662) 329-5800P.O. Box 684
Columbus, MS 39703
Madison County(601) 859-1177P.O. Box 404
Canton, MS 39046
Marion County(601) 736-2691250 Broad St, Ste 2
Columbia, MS 39429
Marshall County(662) 252-4431P.O. Box 219
Holly Springs, MS 38635
Monroe County(662) 369-8143P.O. Box 578
Aberdeen, MS 39730
Montgomery County(662) 283-2333P.O. Box 71
Winona, MS 38967
Neshoba County(601) 656-3581401 Beacon St, Ste 107
Philadelphia, MS 39350
Newton County(601) 635-2367P.O. Box 68
Decatur, MS 39327
Noxubee County(662) 726-4243505 South Jefferson Street
Macon, MS 39341
Oktibbeha County(662) 323-5834101 East Main St.
Starkville, MS 39759
Panola County(662) 487-2070215 Pochontas St.
Sardis, MS 38666
Pearl River County(601) 403-2300P.O. Box 431
Poplarville, MS 39470
Perry County(601) 964-8398P.O. Box 198
New Augusta, MS 39462
Pike County(601) 783-3362P.O. Box 309
Magnolia, MS 39652
Pontotoc County(662) 489-3900P.O. Box 209
Pontotoc, MS 38863
Prentiss County(662) 728-8151P.O. Box 477
Booneville, MS 38829
Quitman County(662) 326-2661220 Chestnut St., Ste 2
Marks, MS 38646
Rankin County(601) 825-1469P.O. Box 700
Brandon, MS 39042
Scott County(601) 469-1922P.O. Box 630
Forest, MS 39074
Sharkey County(662) 873-2755P.O. Box 218
Rolling Fork, MS 39159
Simpson County(601) 847-2626P.O. Box 367
Mendenhall, MS 39114
Smith County(601) 782-9811P.O. Box 39
Raleigh, MS 39153
Stone County(601) 928-5266P.O. Drawer 7
Wiggins, MS 39577
Sunflower County(662) 887-4703P.O. Box 988
Indianola, MS 38751
Tallahatchie County(662) 647-5551P.O. Box 350
Charleston, MS 38921
Tate County(662) 562-5661201 Ward Street
Senatobia, MS 38668
Tippah County(662) 837-7374101 East Spring Street
Ripley, MS 38663
Tishomingo County(662) 423-70101008 Battleground Dr.
Luka, MS 38852
Tunica County(662) 363-2451P.O. Box 217
Tunica, MS 38676
Union County(662) 534-1900P.O. Box 847
New Albany, MS 38562
Walthall County(601) 876-3553P.O. Box 351
Tylertown, MS 39667
Warren County(601) 636-4415P.O. Box 351
Vicksburg, MS 39181
Washington County(662) 332-1595P.O. Box 309
Greenville, MS 38702
Wayne County(601) 735-2873609 Azalea Drive
Waynesboro, MS 39367
Webster County(662) 258-4131P.O. Box 398
Walthall, MS 39771
Wilkinson County(601) 888-4381P.O. Box 516
Woodville, MS 39669
Winston County(662) 773-3631P.O. Drawer 69
Louisville, MS 39339
Yalobusha County(662) 675-2716P.O. Box 260
Coffeeville, MS 38922
Yazoo County(662) 746-2661P.O. Box 68
Yazoo City, MS 39194
Mississippi Chancery Court Contact Information

Mississippi Probate Bond Form
Mississippi 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: