New York Administrator/Executor Bond

New York Administrator/Executor Bond

According to Statute 805 of the New York Surrogate’s Court Procedure (SCP), an individual applying to become an administrator of an estate in New York must file a surety bond with the court. The bond serves as a security to ensure that the administrator pays all debts owed by the estate, properly distributes the estate's assets, and keeps a detailed accounting of this process.

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

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Terms to Know when it Comes to New York Administrator/Executor Bonds

How Much Does a New York Administrator/Executor Bond Cost? 

Jet charges a base price of $100 per year for the New York Administrator Bond, with the specific cost varying depending on the bond amount. See the chart below to calculate the price for larger bonds. Administrators must pay for the bond prior to their appointment, but they can petition the court for reimbursement from the decedent’s estate when filing their accounting. To determine how much an administrator bond will cost, you can follow the steps listed below:

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

Article 8 of the NY SCP states that the bond amount should be the combined value of all the personal property in the estate as well as any gross rents generated by the estate over the next 18 months. This statute also states that no bond shall be required if the amount does not exceed what is deemed to be a small estate, which is $50,000.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Administrator/Executor bonds up to $18,000 in size cost just $100 per year. For each additional $1,000 increase, the bond premium will increase by the corresponding amount outlined in the table below. Apply online in minutes or call one of our probate bond experts at (855) 470-0877 to determine exactly how much your estate bond will cost.

Bond AmountAdditional Premium (per $1,000)Bond Cost (1 year)
$0 - $18,000$100 flat rate$100
$18,001 - $50,000$5.00$100 - $260
$50,001 - $200,000$4.00$260 - $860
$200,001 - $500,000$2.50$860 - $1,160
$500,001 - $1,000,000+$1.00$1,160 - $2,110
New York Administrator/Executor Bond Cost Breakdown

We provide discounted tiered pricing that reduces the percentage rate for larger estate bond amounts. Fiduciaries can also save money by purchasing their fiduciary bond for multiple years in advance.

What is the Process of Becoming an Administrator/Executor in New York?

Administrators in New York must navigate several steps to become court-appointed fiduciaries. Below are the general guidelines, but applicants should refer to the state’s probate page for details on the process.

Step 1 – Hire an Attorney

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

Step 2 – Determine Priority

The probate judge grants priority to individuals to serve as a personal representative in the following order:

Step 3 – File for Administration with the Court

In New York, the person who is the closest family member based on the above priority should file for Administration. This process includes filing a copy of the paid funeral bill, a certified death certificate, a completed Petition for Letters of Administration, and any other supporting documents. The petition will include details such as the known debts and assets of the estate and a list of all known beneficiaries of the estate. The administrator should file the documents with the county court where the decedent had their primary residence. 

Step 4 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Unless otherwise exempt, administrators must purchase and maintain a surety bond.

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When is a Bond Not Required in New York?

Administrators must always obtain a bond, except in the following situations:

Executors in New York are not required to purchase a bond unless the will explicitly requires one, the court determines one is necessary, or a person with an interest in the estate petitions the court to require one.

What are the Responsibilities of an Administrator/Executor in New York? 

Administrators and executors of an estate have a legal duty to act faithfully towards the estate and not put their interests ahead of that duty. This duty includes three main responsibilities:

What is the Purpose of a New York Administrator/Executor Bond?

The bond ensures that the estate’s beneficiaries and creditors will receive compensation for financial harm if the administrator fails to abide by the New York Surrogate’s Court Procedure. Specifically, the bond protects beneficiaries and creditors if the administrator fails to pay creditors or mismanages the estate’s assets. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the estate’s beneficiaries and creditors if the administrator violates their fiduciary duties.

How Does the Application Process Work with Jet?

Jet’s application process is simple and fast - our goal is to get the administrator 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.

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Here are some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting an administrator/executor bond:

How Do You File an Administrator/Executor Bond with the Court?

When you purchase the surety bond, you will immediately receive a digital version of your bond with a receipt. Afterward, Jet will complete the bond form, attach our raised seal to the original copy, and mail it to you. You must simply sign and deliver the original copy to the surrogate’s court overseeing your case.

Many county courts in New York accept e-filing for administration documents such as the petition. However, all counties require the administrator to submit the physical copy of their bond, with the raised seal, by mail or in person. Jet has provided a chart at the bottom of the page with a list of all county court locations in the State of New York and any available contact information for their offices.

New York Guardian Bond Filing Process

How Do You Renew the New York Administrator/Executor Bond?

Jet will notify the administrator well in advance of the renewal date to ensure timely renewal payment. Jet will notify the attorney (when applicable) and the court if you do not pay for the renewal. If an attorney is involved, they may decide to pay the renewal bond premium, but the fiduciary must reimburse them. Upon being notified of failing 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 administrator has paid all debts, distributed all assets, and provided a final accounting approved by the court. The administrator must submit an annual accounting to the court if the estate settlement extends beyond a year. 

After obtaining the release, the administrator 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 administrator.

What Actions of an Administrator/Executor Can Lead to Surety Bond Claims?

Administrators have a critical role in the settlement of an estate and are relied on by the heirs, creditors, and the court to fulfill these obligations. Complaints regarding failure to uphold duties may arise from the heirs and creditors if they feel the administrator has not settled the estate properly. Your diligence in keeping receipts and records of all transactions 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 administrators 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 administrator before paying out the claim. However, if a claim is valid and Jet pays the claimant, the administrator must pay Jet back as the representative is ultimately liable for their actions.

Surrogate's Court Locations in New York

County CourthousePhoneMailing AddressEmail
Albany County(518) 285-858516 Eagle Street, Room 123
Albany, NY 12207
AlbanySurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov
Allegany County(585) 449-34647 Court Street
Belmont, NY 14813-1084
dgjacobs@nycourts.gov
Bronx County(718) 618-2300851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
bxsurrhelpctr@nycourts.gov
Broome County(607) 240-5789P.O. Box 1766
Binghamton, NY 13902
Broome-Surrogate@nycourts.gov
Cattaraugus County(716) 379-6636303 Court Street
Little Valley, NY 14755
jzlockie@nycourts.gov
Cayuga County(315) 237-6210152 Genesee Street
Auburn, NY 13021
Chautauqua County(716) 753-4337Courthouse - PO Box C
Mayville, NY 14757
dpuleo@nycourts.gov
Chemung County(607) 873-9440Post Office Box 588
Elmira, NY 14902-0588
6jdchmsurr@nycourts.gov
Chenango County(607) 371-716513 Eaton Ave.
Norwich, NY 13815
Clinton County(518) 536-3830137 Margaret Street
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
ClintonSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Columbia County(518) 267-3150401 Union Street
Hudson, NY 12534
Cortland County(607) 218-333546 Greenbush Street, Suite #303
Cortland, NY 13045-2725
CortlandSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Delaware County(607) 376-54053 Court Street
Delhi, NY 13753
delawaresurrogatecourt@nycourts.gov
Dutchess County (845) 431-177010 Market Street
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601
eriesurrogatehelp@nycourts.gov
Erie County(716) 845-256092 Franklin Street - 2nd floor
Buffalo, NY 14202
eriesurrogatehelp@nycourts.gov
Essex County(518) 873-33207559 Court Street - P.O. Box 217
Elizabethtown, NY 12932
Franklin County(518) 353-7350355 West Main Street
Malone, NY 12953
Fulton County(518) 706-3280223 West Main Street
Johnstown, NY 12095
FultonSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Genesee County(585) 201-57331 West Main Street
Batavia, NY 14020
jmrusso@nycourts.gov
Greene County(518) 625-3150320 Main Street
Catskill, NY 12414
Hamilton County(518) 648-5411102 County View Drive
Lake Pleasant, NY 12108
HamiltonSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Herkimer County(315) 619-3400301 N. Washington Street
Herkimer, NY 13350
Jefferson County(315) 785-3019163 Arsenal Street
Watertown, NY 13601
JeffersonSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Kings County(347) 404-96902 Johnson St.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Lewis County(315) 570-24387660 N. State Street, Second Floor
Lowville, NY 13367
LewisSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Livingston County(585) 371-39212 Court Street
Geneseo, NY 14454
Madison County(315) 231-5321138 North Court Street
Wampsville, NY 13163
madisonsurrogate@nycourts.gov
Monroe County(585) 371-331099 Exchange Blvd.
Rochester, NY 14614
tmdiamon@nycourts.gov
Montgomery County(518) 853-810858 Broadway - P.O. Box 1500
Fonda, NY 12068
Nassau County(516) 493-3800262 Old Country Road
Mineola, New York 11501
Nassausurrogate@nycourts.gov
New York County(646) 386-500331 Chambers Street
New York, NY 10007
administration_general@courts.state.ny.us
Niagara County(716) 439-7148175 Hawley Street
Lockport, NY 14094
dpuleo@nycourts.gov
Oneida County(315) 266-4550800 Park Avenue, 8th Floor
Utica, NY 13501
Onondaga County(315) 671-2100401 Montgomery Street
Syracuse, NY 13202
Ontario County(585) 412-533127 North Main Street
Canandaigua, NY 14424
Orange County(845) 476-365530 Park Place
Goshen, NY 10924
VirtualOrangeSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov
Orleans County(585) 283-66581 South Main Street. Suite 3
Albion, NY 14411-1497
jsummers@nycourts.gov
Oswego County(315) 207-756625 East Oneida Street
Oswego, NY 13126
Otsego County(607) 322-3150197 Main Street, Suite 21
Cooperstown, NY 13326
OtsegoSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Putnam County(845) 208-786044 Gleneida Avenue
Carmel, NY 10512
VirtualPutnamSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov
Queens County88-11 Sutphin Blvd.
Jamaica, NY 11435
qnssurr-info@nycourts.gov
Rensselaer County(518) 285-610080 Second Street
Troy, NY 12180
RensselaerSurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov
Richmond County(718) 675-850818 Richmond Terrace
Staten Island, NY 10301
nyscef@nycourts.gov
Rockland County(845) 483-82601 South Main Street
New City, NY 10956
VirtualRocklandSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov
Saratoga County(518) 451-883030 McMaster Street - Building 3
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Schenectady County(518) 285-8455612 State Street
Schenectady, NY 12305
Schoharie County(518) 453-6986P.O. Box 669
Schoharie, NY 12157
SchoharieSurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov
Schuyler County(607) 228-3351105 9th St., Unit 35
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
Seneca County(315) 835-623248 West Williams Street
Waterloo, NY 13165
SenecaSurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov
St. Lawrence County(315) 379-221748 Court Street
Canton, NY 13617
Steuben County(607) 622-82213 East Pulteney Square
Bath, NY 14810
Suffolk County(631) 852-1745320 Center Drive
Riverhead, NY 11901
sufmessina@nycourts.gov
Sullivan County(845) 791-3500100 North Street
Monticello, NY 12701
Tioga County(607) 689-610721 Court Street
Owego, NY 13827
TiogaSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Tompkins County(607) 216-6655320 North Tioga Street
Ithaca, NY 14850
TompkinsSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Ulster County(845) 481-9338240 Fair Street
Kingston, N.Y. 12401
UlsterSurrogateCourt@nycourts.gov
Warren County(518) 480-63601340 State Route 9
Lake George, NY 12845
WarrenSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Washington County(518) 285-4389383 Broadway Street
Fort Edward, NY 12828
WashingtonSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Wayne County(315) 665-811954 Broad Street
Lyons, NY 14489
WayneSurrogate@nycourts.gov
Westchester County(914) 824-5656111 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, 19th floor
White Plains, NY 10601
VirtualWestchesterSurrogatesCourt@nycourts.gov
Wyoming County(585) 228-3200147 North Main Street
Warsaw, NY 14569
rschell@nycourts.gov
Yates County(315) 835-6321415 Liberty Street
Penn Yan, NY 14527
YatesSurrogate@nycourts.gov
New York County Court Locations and Contact Information

New York Administrator/Executor Bond Form
New York Administrator/Executor 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: