Mississippi Personal Representative Bond

Mississippi Personal Representative Bond

Probate is the legal process of distributing a person’s property after they pass away, ensuring their assets are distributed to the rightful heirs and any outstanding debts are paid. The person that handles this process is called a personal representative, specifically an executor or administrator. Mississippi Code 91-7-41 and 91-7-67 require most personal representatives of an estate to swear an oath and post a surety bond with the chancery court judge. The Mississippi legislature enacted the surety bond requirement as a financial security for the estate's beneficiaries.

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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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Terms to Know when it Comes to Mississippi Personal Representative Bonds

What is the Required Bond Amount?

The chancery court overseeing the case will set the specific bond amount for each case in accordance with Mississippi Code 91-7-41 and 91-7-67. The bond amount must equal the full value of the estate, including all real and personal property owned by the decedent.

How Much Does a Mississippi Personal Representative Bond Cost?

The Mississippi Personal Representative Bond costs a minimum of $150. The rates are based on the size of the bond as shown in the table below. As per Mississippi Code 91-7-319, personal representatives can be reimbursed for the bond cost from estate funds.

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

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

The chancery court judge determines the bond amount based on the total amount of the estate’s assets, whether or not the estate has a will, and other specific details in the case.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Personal Representative Bonds up to $20,000 cost just $150 per year. For each additional $1,000 increase in the bond amount, 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 Personal Representative Bond Cost

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 Process of Becoming a Personal Representative in Mississippi?

Step 1 – Meet the Qualifications

Mississippi Code 91-7-65 requires that the personal representative must be at least 18 years old, be of sound mind, and have never been convicted of a felony. The court will appoint the person who will serve in the best interests of the estate’s heirs.

Step 2 – Determine Priority

Mississippi grants priority for appointment as a personal representative in the following order:

Step 3 – Hire an Attorney

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

Step 4 – Contact the Court

Personal representatives must contact the county’s chancery court with jurisdiction over the deceased individual’s estate. The chancery court with jurisdiction will be either the court where the testator lives or where the testator owns land.

A representative of the court will walk the personal representative through the appointment process, provide them with all required forms, and answer any questions they may have.

Step 5 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Executors and administrators must purchase and maintain a surety bond. See the section below for exceptions.

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What are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative in Mississippi?

Personal representatives in Mississippi have 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 Mississippi Personal Representative Bond?

Due to the responsibilities listed in the prior section, Mississippi requires personal representatives 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 the regulations outlined in Chapter 7 of the Mississippi Code. 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 Mississippi Require a Bond?

According to Mississippi Code 91-7-45, personal representatives must purchase a bond. However, there are a few exceptions as follows:

At any point during the probate process, the chancery court or a creditor of the estate can require a previously exempt personal representative to furnish a surety bond.

How Does the Application Process Work with Jet?

Jet’s application process is simple and fast - our goal is to get the personal representative bonded as quickly as possible so they can focus on their fiduciary 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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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?

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. We will also send an electronic copy for your records. When the original bond is received, the personal representative should sign as the principal and file the bond with the chancery court overseeing the case.

Once the personal representative files their bond with the clerk and signs an oath stating they will faithfully perform their duties, the clerk will issue the letters of administration. 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 Filing Process

How Do You Renew the Mississippi Personal Representative Bond?

If your appointment as an administrator or executor continues past your purchased bond term, you will need to renew the Personal Representative Bond. Jet will notify you well before the renewal date to ensure timely renewal payment.

If the bond renewal is not paid for, we will also reach out to the attorney (if applicable) and the court. If an attorney is involved, they may decide to pay the renewal bond premium, but the fiduciary must reimburse them. Upon being notified of the failure to maintain the bond, the court will set a hearing.

How Long Do You Need the Bond?

The court will release the bond once the personal representative has paid all debts, distributed all assets, and provided a final accounting approved by the court. The personal representative must submit an annual accounting to the court if the estate settlement extends beyond a year. 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 Personal Representative Can Lead to Surety Bond Claims?

Personal representatives have a critical role in the settlement of an estate and are relied on by the heirs, creditors, and the chancery court to fulfill these obligations. Anyone appointed as a personal representative must adhere to all court orders and ensure they fulfill all responsibilities outlined in Chapter 7 of the Mississippi Code. 

Some examples of potential actions that could cause a claim:

An heir or creditor to the estate with proven damages caused by the actions of the personal representative may file a claim against their bond. While most personal representatives act with good intentions, occasional mismanagement or errors in accounting can lead to significant challenges for well-intentioned fiduciaries. To avoid these issues, 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 Mississippi Personal Representative 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, so 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 personal representative must reimburse Jet.

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: