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. According to Tennessee Code 30-1-111 and 30-1-201, personal representatives must swear an oath and post a surety bond with the probate court judge. The Tennessee legislature enacted the surety bond requirement as a financial security for the estate's beneficiaries.
Have any questions? Give us a call at (855) 470-0877 and speak to a live Tennessee probate bond expert.
Tennessee Code 30-1-201 et seq states that the bond amount for personal representatives must equal the full value of the estate, at a minimum. However, the required bond amount set by the court will be no greater than double the full value of the estate.
The probate court overseeing your case will set the specific bond amount for each case and has the authority to increase or decrease the bond amount upon request of an interested party or at the court’s discretion.
Public administrators must also obtain a bond in an amount set by their county legislative body before beginning their fiduciary duties, according to TN Code 30-1-401.
The Tennessee Personal Representative Bond costs a minimum of $85. See the chart below to calculate the price for larger bonds. 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:
The probate court judge determines the bond amount based on the fair market value of the estate’s assets listed on the initial application for appointment.
Jet Surety charges $85 per year for all administrator 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 Amount | Additional 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+ |
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. Personal representatives may also request the court to reimburse the bond premium from estate funds. Call us at (855) 470-0877 to find out how much your probate bond will cost.
Step 1 – Determine Priority
Priority for appointment as a personal representative will be granted according to TN Code 30-1-106 in the following order:
Step 2 – Hire an Attorney
Although not explicitly required, we recommend that personal representatives hire an attorney to assist with the probate process.
Step 3 – Petition the Court
Anyone seeking to apply for administration of an estate must contact the probate court with jurisdiction to obtain their appointment. 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.
Personal representatives must submit a petition for appointment containing all the information outlined in TN Code 30-1-117 and should submit a formal death certificate along with the original will (if any) to the court. Additionally, personal representatives must include the fair market value of the estate’s property so the judge can determine the required bond amount.
Step 4 – Purchase a Surety Bond
Unless otherwise exempt, personal representatives must purchase and maintain a surety bond (exemptions outlined below).
Tennessee requires personal representatives to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to being appointed as a fiduciary over an estate’s assets. The bond protects the estate's heirs, beneficiaries, and creditors from financial harm if the personal representative fails to abide by the regulations outlined in TN Code 30-1-201 et seq.
Specifically, the bond protects beneficiaries and creditors if the personal representative fails to adhere to all court orders or mismanages the estate’s assets. In short, the bond is a type of insurance that protects the interested parties of an estate if the personal representative violates their fiduciary duties.
Personal representatives in Tennessee have several key responsibilities in managing the probate process and settling the deceased person's estate. The primary duties are outlined in Title 30, Chapter 2 of the TN Code and include the following:
According to TN Code 62-3-603, the court may waive the bond requirement for personal representatives in Tennessee in the following situations:
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 obligations. All we need is the bond amount and basic information about the estate.
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 will need to submit documentation from the court for review, specifically their application for appointment as fiduciary and the order from the court requiring the bond.
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 probate court. Jet will also send the representative an electronic copy of their bond for reference.
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, and mail it to you. You simply need to sign the form and deliver it to the probate court overseeing your case.
Jet has provided a chart at the bottom of the page with a list of all probate court locations in the State of Tennessee and any available contact information for their offices.
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 notice of 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.
At Jet, we like to make things easy for our customers, and cancellation of your bond is no exception.
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 probate 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. We will refund any unearned premium charged after the first year of the bond on a prorated basis.
Personal representatives have a critical role in the settlement of an estate and are relied on by the heirs, creditors, and the probate 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 Title 30 of the Tennessee 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.
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.
Below is a list of all the county courts located in the State of Tennessee, as well as their addresses and contact information.
County Courthouse | Phone | Mailing Address | |
---|---|---|---|
Anderson County | (865) 457-6205 | 100 North Main Street, Suite 308 Clinton, TN 37716 | hcousins@andersoncountytn.gov |
Bedford County | (931) 684-1672 | 108 Northcreek Drive, Suite 155 Shelbyville, TN 37160 | |
Benton County | (731) 584-4435 | 1 Court Square, Room 206 Camden, TN 38320 | |
Bledsoe County | (423) 939-0922 | P. O. Box 2198 Jasper, TN 37398 | |
Blount County | (865) 273-5500 | 930 E Lamar Alexander Parkway Maryville, TN 37804 | |
Bradley County | (423) 728-7209 | 155 N Ocoee Street, Room 203 Cleveland, TN 37311 | morgan.thompson@tncourts.gov |
Campbell County | (423) 562-3496 | 570 Main Street, Suite 110 Jacksboro, TN 37757 | dennis.potter@tncourts.gov |
Cannon County | (615) 563-5936 | 200 West Main Street Woodbury, TN 37190 | |
Carroll County | (731) 986-1932 | 99 Court Square #103 Huntingdon, TN 38344 | |
Carter County | (423) 542-1812 | 801 East Elk Avenue Elizabethton, TN 37643 | clerkandmaster@cartercountytn.gov |
Cheatham County | (615) 792-4620 | 100 Public Square, Suite 106 Ashland City, TN 37015 | |
Chester County | (731) 989-7171 | 333 Eric Bell Drive, Suite C Henderson, TN 38340 | |
Claiborne County | (423) 626-3284 | 1740 Main St. #201 Tazewell, TN 37879 | |
Clay County | (931) 243-3145 | 100 Courthouse Square Celina, TN 38551 | rene.davis@tncourts.gov |
Cocke County | (423) 623-3321 | 360 East Main Street Suite 103, Courthouse Annex Newport, TN 37821 | craig.wild@tncourts.gov |
Coffee County | (931) 723-5132 | 300 Hillsboro Blvd., Box 8 Manchester, TN 37355 | Sheila.Proffitt@tncourts.gov |
Crockett County | (731) 696-5458 | One South Bell Street, Suite 5 Alamo, TN 38001 | james.stephenson@tncourts.gov |
Cumberland County | (931) 484-4731 | 60 Justice Center Dr., Suite 226 Crossville, TN 38555 | Benjamin.Tollett@tncourts.gov |
Davidson County | (615) 862-5980 | 1 Public Square, Suite 302 Nashville, TN 37201 | probateclerksupport@jisnashville.gov |
Decatur County | (731) 852-3422 | 22 West Main Street Decaturville, TN 38329 | elizabeth.carpenter@tncourts.gov |
DeKalb County | (615) 597-4360 | One Public Square, Room 302 Smithville, TN 37166 | Debra.Malone@tncourts.gov |
Dickson County | (615) 789-7011 | 500 Spring Street Charlotte, TN 37036 | nancy.miller@tncourts.gov |
Dyer County | (731) 286-7818 | Dyer County Courthouse, Rm. 201 Dyersburg, TN 38024 | Cindy.Rose@tncourts.gov |
Fayette County | (901) 465-5219 | 16755 Highway 64, Suite 210 Somerville, TN 38068 | Amy.Anderson@tncourts.gov |
Fentress County | (931) 879-8615 | 140 Justice Center Drive, Suite 110 Jamestown, TN 38556 | linda.smith@tncourts.gov |
Franklin County | (931) 967-2843 | 440 George Fraley Parkway, Box 4 Winchester, TN 37398 | chancerycourt@franklincotn.us |
Gibson County | (731) 855-7639 | 204 N Courtsquare Trenton, TN 38382 | Katelyn.Orgain@tncourts.gov |
Giles County | (931) 363-2620 | 1 Public Square Pulaski, TN 38478 | crystal.greene@tncourts.gov |
Grainger County | (865) 828-4436 | 270 Justice Center Drive Ste. 107 Rutledge, TN 37861 | vickie.greenlee@tncourts.gov |
Greene County | (423) 798-1742 | 101 South Main Street Greenville, TN 37743 | clerk&master@greenecountytngov.com |
Grundy County | 602-506-3668 | 68 Cumberland Street, Suite 200 Altamont, TN 37301 | patricia.campbell@tncourts.gov |
Hamblen County | (423) 586-9112 | 511 West Second North Street Morristown, TN 37814 | kathy.jones-terry@tncourts.gov |
Hamilton County | (423) 209-6600 | 300 Courthouse 625 Georgia Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37402 | robinmiller@hamiltontn.gov |
Hancock County | (423) 733-4524 | 1237 Main Street, Suite 104 Sneedville, TN 37869 | judith.trent@tncourts.gov |
Hardeman County | (731) 658-3142 | PO Box 45 Bolivar, TN 38008 | kimberly.paras@tncourts.gov |
Hardin County | (731) 925-8166 | 465 Main Street Savannah, TN 38372 | martha.smith@tncourts.gov |
Hawkins County | (423) 272-8150 | 100 E. Main Street, Suite 316 Rogersville, TN 37857 | brent.price@tncourts.gov |
Haywood County | (731) 772-0122 | 100 South Dupree Avenue Brownsville, TN 38012 | Felicia.Bond@tncourts.gov |
Henderson County | (731) 968-2801 | 17 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Room 2 Lexington, TN 38351 | Leigh.Milam@tncourts.gov |
Henry County | (731) 642-4234 | PO Box 313 Paris, TN 38242 | Albert.Wade@tncourts.gov |
Hickman County | (931) 729-2522 | 104 College Avenue, Suite 202 Centerville, TN 37033 | loren.roberts@hickmancountytn.gov |
Houston County | 602-506-3668 | 4725 East Main Street Erin, TN 37061 | Patsy.Brooks@tncourts.gov |
Humphreys County | (931) 296-2558 | 100 North Court Square Waverly, TN 37185 | michael.bullion@tncourts.gov |
Jackson County | (931) 268-9516 | 101 East Hull Avenue Gainesboro, TN 38562 | Sherrie.Loftis@tncourts.gov |
Jefferson County | (865) 397-2404 | 202 W. Main St. Dandridge, TN 37725 | Nancy.Humbard@tncourts.gov |
Johnson County | (423) 727-7853 | 202 West Main Street Mountain City, TN 37683 | clerkandmaster@johnsoncountytn.gov |
Knox County | (865) 215-2389 | 400 Main Street, 3rd Floor, City-County Building, Suite 352 Knoxville, TN 37902 | scott.griswold@knoxcounty.org |
Lake County | (731) 253-8926 | 229 Church Street, Box 12 Tiptonville, TN 38079 | amber.mooring@tncourts.gov |
Lauderdale County | (731) 635-1941 | Courthouse, 100 Court Square Ripley, TN 38063 | sandra.burnham@tncourts.gov |
Lawrence County | (931) 766-4182 | 240 W. Gaines St., NBU #13 Lawrenceburg, TN 38464 | kristy.gang@tncourts.gov |
Lewis County | (931) 796-3734 | 29 W Main Street Hohenwald, TN 38462 | kaitlin.bates@tncourts.gov |
Lincoln County | (931) 433-1482 | 112 Main Avenue South Room B-109 Fayetteville, TN 37334 | rebecca.bartlett@tncourts.gov |
Loudon County | (865) 986-3505 | 12680 Highway 11 West, Suite 3 Lenoir City, TN 37771 | Penny.Glasgow@tncourts.gov |
Macon County | (615) 666-2000 | 906 Highway 52 Bypass East LaFayette, TN 37083 | kristin.reid@tncourts.gov |
Madison County | (731) 423-6032 | Courthouse, Room 200, 100 East Main Street Jackson, TN 38301 | pam.carter@tncourts.gov |
Marion County | (423) 942-2601 | 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 203 Jasper, TN 37347 | Paige.Mashburn@tncourts.gov |
Marshall County | (931) 359-2181 | 201 Marshall County Courthouse Lewisburg, TN 37091 | kimberlee.alsup@tncourts.gov |
Maury County | (931) 375-1307 | 41 Public Square Columbia, TN 38401 | larry.roe@tncourts.gov |
McMinn County | (423) 745-1281 | 6 East Madison Ave Athens, TN 37303 | patty.gaines@tncourts.gov |
McNairy County | (731) 645-5446 | 170 West Court Ave. Room 205 Selmer, TN 38375 | kim.boals@tncourts.gov |
Meigs County | (423) 334-5243 | Meigs County Courthouse, Suite 206, 17214 TN-58 Decatur, TN 37322 | Donna.Moore@tncourts.gov |
Monroe County | (423) 442-2644 | 105 College Street, Suite # 2 Madisonville, TN 37354 | teresa.choate@monroetn.com |
Montgomery County | (931) 648-5703 | 2 Millennium Plaza Suite 101 Clarksville, TN 37040 | wjdavis@mcgtn.net |
Moore County | (931) 759-7028 | 196 Main Street, Suite 312 Lynchburg, TN 37352 | Tammy.Roberts@tncourts.gov |
Morgan County | (423) 346-3881 | 415 North Kingston Street, Room 104 Wartburg, TN 37887 | angela.anderson@vcourthouse.net |
Obion County | (731) 507-0999 | 6, Bill Burnett Circle Union City, TN 38281 | emily.hall@tncourts.gov |
Overton County | (931) 823-2536 | 100 E. Court Sq., Ste. 100 Livingston, TN 38570 | Dorothy.Stanton@tncourts.gov |
Perry County | (931) 589-2217 | 121 Main St Linden, TN 37096 | charlene.Duplessis@tncourts.gov |
Pickett County | (931) 864-3359 | 1 Courthouse Square, Suite 203 Byrdstown, TN 385479 | Leana.Neal@tncourts.gov |
Polk County | (423) 338-4522 | 161 Industrial Access Circle, Room 110 Benton, TN 37307 | kimberly.ingram@tncourts.gov |
Putnam County | (931) 526-6321 | 421 E. Spring St., Suite 1C38 Cookeville, TN 38501 | linda.reeder@tncourts.gov |
Rhea County | (423) 775-7806 | 7824 Rhea Co. Hwy Dayton, TN 37321 | Bonnie.Doss@tncourts.gov |
Roane County | (865) 376-2487 | 200 East Race Street, Suite 12 Kingston, TN 37763 | Pam.May@tncourts.gov |
Robertson County | (615) 384-5650 | 501 South Main Street, Room 103 Springfield, TN 37172 | jon.t.graves@tncourts.gov |
Rutherford County | (615) 898-7860 | 116 W. Lytle St., Suite 5101 Murfreesboro, TN 37130 | chancery@rutherfordcountytn.gov |
Scott County | (423) 663-2627 | 575 Scott High Drive, Suite C Huntsville, TN 37756 | michael.potter@tncourts.gov |
Sequatchie County | (423) 949-3670 | 22 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor Dunlap, TN 37327 | jared.smith@tncourts.gov |
Sevier County | (865) 453-5502 | 125 Court Ave, Suite 202E Sevierville, TN 37862 | rosmelcer@seviercountytn.org |
Shelby County | (901) 222-3750 | 140 Adams Avenue, Room 124 Memphis, TN 38103 | Eddie.s.Jones@shelbycountytn.gov |
Smith County | (615) 735-2092 | 322 Justice Drive, Suite 105 Carthage, TN 37030 | Jessie.Goad@tncourts.gov |
Stewart County | (931) 232-5665 | 225 Donelson Parkway, Main Floor Dover, TN 37058 | April.Turner@tncourts.gov |
Sullivan County | (423) 323-6483 | 140 Blountville Bypass Blountville, TN 37617 | jennelleke@sullivancourts.com |
Sumner County | (615) 451-6036 | 100 Public Square, Rooms 400 & 401 Gallatin, TN 37066 | SumnerClerkandMastersOffice@tncourts.gov |
Tipton County | (901) 476-0207 | 220 Highway 51 N, Suite 2 Covington, TN 38019 | Gina.D.Smith@tncourts.gov |
Trousdale County | (615) 374-2996 | 303 East Main St, Ste 1 Hartsville, TN 67074 | Shelly.Brawner@tncourts.gov |
Unicoi County | (423) 743-9541 | PO Box 46 Erwin, TN 37650 | unicoichancery@gmail.com |
Union County | (865) 992-5942 | 901 Main Street, Suite 206 Maynardville, TN 37807 | sandra.edmondson@tncourts.gov |
Van Buren County | (931) 946-7175 | 121 Taft Drive Spencer, TN 38585 | tina.shockley@tncourts.gov |
Warren County | (931) 473-2364 | 111 South Court Square, Suite 105 McMinnville, TN 37110 | myra.mara@tncourts.gov |
Washington County | (423) 788-1450 | 108 W Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2109 Jonesborough, TN 37659 | slawson@washingtoncountytn.org |
Wayne County | (931) 722-5517 | P.O. Box 101, Suite 201 Waynesboro, TN 38485 | chassity.martin@tncourts.gov |
Weakley County | (731) 364-3454 | P.O. Box 197 Dresden, TN 38225 | regina.vancleave@tncourts.gov |
White County | (931) 836-3205 | 111 Depot Street, Suite 1 Sparta, TN 38583 | beverly.jolley@tncourts.gov |
Williamson County | (615) 790-5428 | 135 4th Avenue South, Room 236 Franklin, TN 37064 | jakob.schwendimann@tncourts.gov |
Wilson County | (615) 466-5311 | 134 South College Street, Room 200 Lebanon, TN 37087 | millie.sloan@tncourts.gov |