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Georgia Personal Representative Bond
According to Georgia Code 53-6-50, a personal representative of an intestate estate (defined below) or a temporary administrator must post a surety bond with the probate court judge. The bond provides protection to estate beneficiaries and creditors against financial harm caused by the personal representative or temporary administrator’s actions.
Have any questions? Give us a call at (855) 470-0877 and speak to a live Georgia probate bond expert.
Terms to Know When It Comes to Georgia Personal Representative Bonds
- Probate: The legal process through which the representative of a deceased person’s estate distributes all assets and pays all debts under the supervision of the court
- Settlement: This is the act of distributing the assets and settling the debts of the estate
- Personal Representative: This is a catch-all term in Georgia for the person in charge of settling the estate. The definition includes all executors and administrators of an estate.
- Temporary Administrator: In certain situations where an estate requires urgent administration, a probate judge will appoint a temporary administrator with limited powers to protect and preserve estate assets.
- Decedent: The individual that has passed away and left the estate.
- Testate: If the decedent dies with a will, the estate is considered Testate and the executor should be named.
- Intestate: If the decedent dies without a will, the estate is considered Intestate and the administrator will petition the court for appointment.
- Surety Bond: A type of insurance required for Georgia executors and administrators that guarantees they will faithfully fulfill their duties to settle the estate.
What Is the Required Bond Amount?
Georgia Statute 53-6-50 dictates that the bond amount must be of sufficient size to cover the estate’s assets that the personal representative possesses or has decision-making authority over. Additionally, Georgia Statute 53-6-52 states that if the estate’s assets decrease, the court may reduce the bond amount in kind.
How Much Does a Georgia Personal Representative Bond Cost?
The bond cost depends entirely on the bond amount needed for the estate. The personal representative will pay is only a small fraction of that bond amount.
To determine how much the bond will cost, personal representatives can follow the steps listed below:
- Determine the Required Bond Amount
The bond amount is based on the total amount of the estate, including any real estate, that the fiduciary has to oversee. The probate judge or county clerk will provide the bond amount needed to the administrator.
- Calculate the Total Cost
Administrator and executor bonds up to $17,000 cost $85 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 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+ |
As demonstrated in the table above, there is a tiered rate calculation for probate bonds. For example, a $50,000 Georgia personal representative bond costs $330 per year, while a $300,000 personal representative bond costs $1,465 per year. It is worth noting that the premium for the bond can generally be paid from the assets in the estate. Call us at (855) 470-0877 to find out how much your personal representative bond will cost.
Who Can Serve as Personal Representative in Georgia?
A person nominated in the will shall be granted priority to serve as the personal representative. If there is no will, then priority is granted to any person unanimously selected by all of the estate’s heirs unless the sole heir is the surviving spouse that was in the process of getting divorced or separated from the deceased individual. If no person is unanimously selected, the court shall grant priority in the following order:
- The surviving spouse unless separated or in the process of separating from the decedent
- Any surviving heir or a person a majority of the heirs nominate
- Any other eligible person
- A creditor of the estate
- The county administrator
What Are the Responsibilities of a Personal Representative?
- The first responsibility of an administrator or executor in Georgia is to take an inventory of the assets and liabilities of the estate, which includes appraising any real property to determine the appropriate value.
- The personal representative is responsible for maintaining comprehensive records of the estate assets, which involves keeping and submitting receipts, bills, and bank statements to the court. The inventory and accounting of the estate are conducted annually, and the personal representative must provide these reports to the heirs and beneficiaries of the estate.
- Within 60 days of appointment, the personal representative of the estate must publish a notice in a local newspaper to let creditors know they have three months to come forward if they want to present a formal claim to the estate. The personal representative must pay any valid debts and taxes due on the estate.
- After completing the inventory, submitting the accounting, and settling the debts and taxes, the personal representative must distribute the remaining estate assets to the heirs of the estates and conduct a final accounting for distribution.
- After completing the final accounting,, the personal representative must file a Petition for Discharge with the court to formally request relief from their duties. If approved by the court, the discharge will be issued, marking the closure of the estate and the conclusion of the personal representative’s responsibilities.
What Is the Purpose of a Georgia Personal Representative Bond?
Due to the responsibilities listed in the prior section, Georgia 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 Georgia Statute 53-6-51. 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 Georgia Require a Bond?
No, only personal representatives of intestate estates and temporary administrators must post a surety bond equal to the estate’s value. However, the bond requirement can be waived under the following circumstances:
- The heirs of the estate waive the bond requirement by unanimous consent
- The personal representative is a national banking association or a bank or trust company organized in the state of Georgia unless their combined capital, surplus and undivided profits are less than $400,000
How Does the Application Process Work With Jet?
Jet’s application process is unlike any other - our goal is to get the personal representative bonded as quickly as possible to allow them to focus on their fiduciary obligations. All we need is the bond amount and basic information about the estate. Our application allows the personal representatives to select where to send the bond.
Here are some of the factors Jet considers when underwriting a personal representative bond:
- Applicant’s credit history for bond limits over $25,000 if they have not retained an attorney, or $50,000 if they have retained an attorney
- Applicants for bond limits over $50,000 will need to provide documentation from the court for review
- Applicants criminal background
- Disputes amongst the estate’s beneficiaries
- Whether or not there is any ongoing business in the estate
- Whether or not the applicant owes any money to the estate
How Do You File a Personal Representative Bond with the Court?
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.
How Do I Renew the Georgia Personal Representative Bond?
Jet will notify the personal representative well in advance of the renewal date to ensure timely renewal payment. If payment is not made, Jet will notify the attorney (when applicable) and the court. If an attorney is involved, they may decide to pay the renewal bond premium, but the fiduciary must reimburse them. If there is an attorney, the court will set a hearing upon being notified of the failure to maintain the bond.
How Long Do You Need the Bond?
The court will release the bond once the personal representative has paid all debts, distributed all assets, provided a final accounting that the court has approved. If the estate settlement extends beyond a year, an annual accounting must be submitted to the court. After obtaining the release, the personal representative simply needs to email a copy of the release to [email protected] 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 circuit court to fulfill these obligations. Complaints regarding failure to uphold duties may arise from the heirs and creditors if they feel settlement is not being handled properly. Being diligent about keeping receipts and records of all transactions as the personal representative is essential.
Some examples of potential actions that could cause a claim:
- Lack of proper accounting and detailed records
- Improper disbursement of assets
- Nonpayment of taxes/debts
- Embezzlement
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 an additional time to review it. Jet works tirelessly to protect personal representatives 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 personal representative prior to 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.
Georgia County Probate Court Locations
Below is a list of all the county probate courts located in the state of Georgia, as well as their addresses and contact information.
| County Probate Court | Phone Number | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Appling County | (912) 367-8114 | 36 S Main St Baxley, GA 31513 |
| Athens-Clarke County | (706) 613-3320 | 325 East Washington St, Ste 200 Athens, GA 30601 |
| Atkinson County | (912) 422-3552 | 19 Robert Ave W Pearson, GA 31642 |
| Bacon County | (912) 632-7661 | 502 W 12th St #100 Alma, GA 31510 |
| Baker County | (229) 734-3007 | 167 Baker Pl Newton, GA 39870 |
| Baldwin County | (478) 445-4807 | 121 N. Wilkinson Street Milledgeville, GA 31061 |
| Banks County | (706) 677-6250 | 144 Yonah-Homer Road Suite 7 Homer, GA 30547 |
| Barrow County | (770) 307-3045 | 652 Barrow Park Dr Winder, GA 30680 |
| Bartow County | (770) 387-5075 | 135 W. Cherokee Ave Suite 243A Cartersville, GA 30120 |
| Ben Hill County | (229) 426-5137 | 111 S Sheridan St Fitzgerald, GA 31750 |
| Berrien County | (229) 686-5213 | 201 N Davis St, Room 175 Nashville, GA 31639 |
| Bleckley County | (478) 934-3204 | 112 N Second Street Cochran, GA 31014 |
| Brantley County | (912) 462-5192 | 234 Branley St #100 Nahunta, GA 31553 |
| Brooks County | (229) 263-5567 | 1 Screven St, Ste 4 Quitman, GA 31643 |
| Bryan County | (912) 756-8559 | P. O. Box 418 Pembroke, GA 31321 |
| Bulloch County | (912) 489-8749 | 2 North Main St, 1st Fl Statesboro, GA 30458 |
| Burke County | (706) 554-3000 | 200 East 6th Street Waynesboro, GA 30458 |
| Butts County | (770) 775-8204 | 625 West Third Street, Suite 9 Jackson, GA 30233 |
| Calhoun County | (912) 849-4835 | 31 Court St, Ste C Morgan, GA 39866 |
| Camden County | (912) 576-3785 | 210 East 4th Street Woodbine, GA 31569 |
| Candler County | (912) 685-2357 | 35 SW Broad Street Metter, GA 30439 |
| Carroll County | (770) 830-5840 | 311 Newnan Street, Room 2022 Carrollton, GA 30117 |
| Catoosa County | (706) 935-3511 | 875 Lafayette Street Ringgold, GA 30736 |
| Charlton County | (912) 496-2230 | 1520 Third Street Suite B Folkston, GA 31537 |
| Chatham County | (912) 652-7264 | 133 Montgomery St., Rm. 509 Savannah, GA 31401 |
| Chattahoochee County | (706) 989-3603 | 379 Broad St Cusseta, GA 31805 |
| Chattooga County | (706) 857-0709 | 10035 Commerce Street Summerville, GA 30747 |
| Cherokee County | (678) 493-6160 | 90 North Street, Suite 340 Canton, GA 30114 |
| Clay County | (229) 768-2445 | 210 Washington St, Suite 1 Fort Gaines, GA 39851 |
| Clayton County | (770) 472-8124 | 121 South McDonough St. Annex 3 Jonesboro, GA 30236 |
| Clinch County | (912) 487-5523 | 110 Court Square Homerville, GA 31634 |
| Cobb County | (770) 528-1900 | 32 Waddell Street Marietta, GA 30090 |
| Coffee County | (912) 384-5213 | 101 S. Peterson Ave, Ste A-20 Douglas, GA 31533 |
| Colquitt County | (229) 616-7415 | 9 S Main St # 108 Moultrie, GA 31768 |
| Columbia County | (706) 312-7254 | 640 Ronald Reagan Drive Evans, GA 30809 |
| Cook County | (229) 896-3941 | 212 N. Hutchinson Ave. Adel, GA 31620 |
| Coweta County | (770) 254-2640 | 200 Court Square Newnan, GA 30263 |
| Crawford County | (478) 836-3313 | 100 GA Hwy 42 S Knoxville, GA 31050 |
| Crisp County | (229) 271-4731 | 510 N 7th St, Suite 101 Cordele, GA 31015 |
| Dade County | (706) 657-4414 | 255 W Crabtree Street Trenton, GA 30752 |
| Dawson County | (706) 344-3580 | 25 Justice Way, Suite 4332 Dawsonville, GA 30534 |
| Decatur County | (229) 248-3030 | 112 West Water Street Bainbridge, GA 39818 |
| Dekalb County | (404) 371-2341 | 556 North McDonough Street Decatur, GA 30030 |
| Dodge County | (478) 374-3775 | 5401 Anson Ave # 100 Eastman, GA 31023 |
| Dooly County | (229) 268-4217 | 104 2nd St #11 Vienna, GA 31092 |
| Dougherty County | (229) 431-2102 | 225 Pine Avenue, Ste 123 Albany, GA 31701 |
| Douglas County | (770) 949-2000 | 8700 Hospital Drive Douglasville, GA 30134 |
| Early County | (229) 723-3454 | 111 Court Sq # C Blakely, GA 39823 |
| Echols County | (229) 559-7526 | P.O. Box 118 Statenville, GA 31648 |
| Effingham County | (912) 754-2112 | 700 N Pine Street Suite 146 Springfield, GA 31329 |
| Elbert County | (706) 283-2016 | 45 Forest Avenue Elberton, GA 30635 |
| Emanuel County | (478) 237-7091 | 125 S Main Street Swainsboro, GA 30401 |
| Evans County | (912) 739-4080 | 201 Freeman Street, Suite 9 Claxton, GA 30417 |
| Fannin County | (706) 632-3011 | 400 West Main Street, Ste 204 Blue Ridge, GA 30513 |
| Fayette County | (770) 716-4220 | 1 Center Drive Fayetteville, GA 30214 |
| Floyd County | (706) 291-5136 | 3 Government Plaza Rome, GA 30161 |
| Forsyth County | (770) 781-2140 | 100 West Courthouse Square Cumming, GA 30040 |
| Franklin County | (706) 384-2403 | 7085 Hwy 145 Suite A Carnesville, GA 30521 |
| Fulton County | (404) 612-4640 | 136 Pryor Street SW Suite C-230 Atlanta, GA 30303 |
| Gilmer County | (706) 635-4763 | 1 Broad Street Suite 204 Ellijay, GA 30540 |
| Glascock County | (706) 598-3241 | 62 East Main Street Gibson, GA 30810 |
| Glynn County | (912) 554-7231 | 701 G Street Brunswick, GA 31520 |
| Gordon County | (706) 629-7314 | 215 North Wall Street Calhoun, GA 30701 |
| Grady County | (229) 377-2912 | 250 N Broad St # 8 Cairo, GA 39828 |
| Greene County | (706) 453-3346 | 113 N Main Street Suite 113 Greensboro, GA 30642 |
| Gwinnett County | (770) 822-8350 | 75 Langley Drive Lawrenceville, GA 30046 |
| Habersham County | (706) 839-0320 | 295 Llewellyn Street, Suite 24 Clarkesville, GA 30523 |
| Hall County | (770) 531-6921 | 116 Spring Street SE 1st Floor Gainesville, GA 30501 |
| Hancock County | (706) 444-5343 | 12630 Broad Street Sparta, GA 31087 |
| Haralson County | (770) 646-2008 | 4485 GA-120 Buchanan, GA 30113 |
| Harris County | (706) 628-5038 | 102 North College Street, Room 116 Hamilton, GA 31811 |
| Hart County | (706) 376-2565 | 185 West Franklin Street Hartwell, GA 30643 |
| Heard County | (706) 675-3353 | 215 East Court Square Franklin, GA 30217 |
| Henry County | (770) 288-7600 | 99 Sims Street McDonough, GA 30253 |
| Houston County | (478) 218-4710 | 201 N. Perry Parkway Perry, GA 31069 |
| Irwin County | (229) 468-5138 | 301 S Irwin Ave # 101 Ocilla, GA 31774 |
| Jackson County | (706) 387-6275 | 5000 Jackson Pkwy Suite 140 Jefferson, GA 30549 |
| Jasper County | (706) 468-4903 | 126 W. Greene St. Ste. 111 Monticello, GA 31064 |
| Jeff Davis County | (912) 375-6626 | 14 Jeff Davis St # 210 Hazlehurst, GA 31539 |
| Jefferson County | (478) 625-3258 | 202 E Broad Street Louisville, GA 30434 |
| Jenkins County | (478) 982-5581 | P.O. Box 797 Millen, GA 30442 |
| Johnson County | (478) 864-3316 | 2557 East Elm Street Wrightsville, GA 31096 |
| Jones County | (478) 986-6668 | P.O. Box 1090 Gray, GA 31032 |
| Lamar County | (770) 358-5155 | 326 Thomaston St Barnesville, GA 30204 |
| Lanier County | (229) 363-9270 | 56 W. Main Street Suite 10 Lakeland, GA 31635 |
| Laurens County | (478) 272-2566 | 101 N. Jefferson St. Dublin, GA 31021 |
| Lee County | (229) 759-6005 | 100 Leslie Highway Leesburg, GA 31763 |
| Liberty County | (912) 876-3635 | 201 S Main Street Hinesville, GA 31313 |
| Lincoln County | (706) 359-5528 | 160B School Street Lincolnton, GA 30817 |
| Long County | (912) 545-2131 | 75 West Academy Street Ludowici, GA 31316 |
| Lowndes County | (229) 671-2650 | 327 N. Ashley St. Valdosta, GA 31601 |
| Lumpkin County | (706) 864-3847 | 325 Riley Road Room 122 Dahlonega, GA 30533 |
| Macon County | (478) 472-7685 | 121 Sumter St Oglethorpe, GA 31068 |
| Macon-Bibb County | (478) 621-6494 | 601 Mulberry Street Second Floor Macon, GA 31201 |
| Madison County | (706) 795-6365 | P.O. Box 207 Danielsville, GA 30633 |
| Marion County | (229) 649-5542 | 100 E. Burkhalter Ave. Buena Vista, GA 31803 |
| McDuffie County | (706) 595-2114 | 210 Railroad St. Thomson, GA 30824 |
| McIntosh County | (912) 437-4888 | PO Drawer 459 Darien, GA 31305 |
| Meriwether County | (706) 672-4952 | 100 S Court Square Greenville, GA 30222 |
| Miller County | (229) 758-4110 | 155 South First Street Room 110 Colquitt, GA 39837 |
| Mitchell County | (229) 336-2015 | 11 West Broad Street, Room 102 Camilla, GA 31730 |
| Monroe County | (478) 994-7000 | 38 West Main Street Forsyth, GA 31029 |
| Montgomery County | (912) 583-2681 | 400 S Railroad Ave Mt. Vernon, GA 30445 |
| Morgan County | (706) 343-6500 | 149 E Jefferson Street Madison, GA 30650 |
| Murray County | (706) 695-3812 | 115 W. Fort St. Chatsworth, GA 30705 |
| Muscogee County | (706) 653-4333 | 100 10th Street, 6th Fl Columbus, GA 31901 |
| Newton County | (770) 784-2045 | 1132 Usher Street, Rm 148 Covington, GA 30014 |
| Oconee County | (706) 769-3936 | 23 North Main Street Room 304 Watkinsville, GA 30677 |
| Oglethorpe County | (706) 743-5350 | 109 E. Boggs Street Lexington, GA 30648 |
| Paulding County | (770) 443-7541 | 280 Constitution Boulevard Room 2009 Dallas, GA 30132 |
| Peach County | (478) 825-2313 | 205 W. Church Street Fort Valley, GA 310130 |
| Pickens County | (706) 253-8755 | 50 North Main Street Jasper, GA 30143 |
| Pierce County | (912) 449-2029 | 3550 Hwy 84, Suite 1 Blackshear, GA 31516 |
| Pike County | (770) 567-8734 | 16001 Barnesville Street Zebulon, GA 30295 |
| Polk County | (770) 749-2128 | 100 Prior St #102 Cedartown, GA 30125 |
| Pulaski County | (478) 783-2061 | 141 Commerce Street Hawkinsville, GA 31036 |
| Putnam County | (706) 485-5476 | 100 South Jefferson Avenue Ste 318 Eatonton, GA 31024 |
| Quitman County | (229) 334-2224 | P. O. Box 7 Georgetown, GA 39854 |
| Rabun County | (706) 782-3614 | 25 Courthouse Square, Suite 215 Clayton, GA 30525 |
| Randolph County | (229) 732-2671 | P.O. Box 424 Cuthbert, GA 39840 |
| Richmond County | (706) 821-2434 | 735 James Brown Blvd. Ste 1000 Augusta, GA 30901 |
| Rockdale County | (770) 278-7700 | 874 N. Main Street NW Conyers, GA 30012 |
| Schley County | (229) 937-2905 | 47 North Pecan Street Ellaville, GA 31806 |
| Screven County | (912) 564-2783 | 216 Mims Rd Rm 107 Sylvania, GA 30467 |
| Seminole County | (229) 524-5256 | 200 S Knox Ave Donalsonville, GA 39845 |
| Spalding County | (770) 467-4341 | 132 East Solomon Street Griffin, GA 30223 |
| Stephens County | (706) 886-2828 | 70 N. Alexander St. Ste 108 Toccoa, GA 30577 |
| Stewart County | (229) 838-4394 | 1764 Broad St Lumpkin, GA 31815 |
| Sumter County | (229) 928-4551 | 500 West Lamar Street Americus, GA 31709 |
| Talbot County | (706) 665-8866 | 26 S Washington Avenue Talbotton, GA 31827 |
| Taliaferro County | (706) 456-2253 | P.O. Box 264 Crawfordville, GA 30631 |
| Tattnall County | (912) 557-6719 | 111 N Main St Reidsville, GA 30453 |
| Taylor County | (478) 862-3357 | 2 N Broad St Butler, GA 31006 |
| Telfair County | (229) 868-6038 | 128 E Oak St # 1 McRae-Helena, GA 31055 |
| Terrell County | (229) 995-5515 | 499 Rountree DR SW Dawson, GA 39842 |
| Thomas County | (229) 225-4116 | 325 North Madison Street Thomasville, GA 31799 |
| Tift County | (229) 386-7914 | 225 Tift Avenue Ste 117 Tifton, GA 31794 |
| Toombs County | (912) 526-8696 | 100 Courthouse Square, Suite 23 Lyons, GA 30436 |
| Towns County | (706) 896-3467 | 48 River Street, Suite C Benton, AR 72015 |
| Treutlen County | (912) 529-3342 | 1830 Martin Luther King Jr Dr Soperton, GA 30457 |
| Troup County | (706) 883-1690 | 100 Ridley Avenue, 2nd Floor LaGrange, GA 30240 |
| Turner County | (229) 567-2151 | 219 E College St Ashburn, GA 31714 |
| Twiggs County | (478) 945-3390 | 425 Railroad Street North Jeffersonville, GA 31044 |
| Union County | (706) 439-6006 | 65 Courthouse St., Suite 8 Blairsville, GA 30512 |
| Upson County | (706) 647-7015 | 106 E Lee Street Suite 210 Thomaston, GA 30286 |
| Walker County | (706) 638-2852 | 103 S Duke Street – Room 101 LaFayette, GA 30728 |
| Walton County | (770) 267-1345 | 303 S Hammond Drive Monroe, GA 30655 |
| Ware County | (912) 287-4315 | 800 Church Street Waycross, GA 31501 |
| Warren County | (706) 465-2227 | 521 Main Street Ste 104 Warrenton, GA 30828 |
| Washington County | (478) 552-3304 | 129 W Haynes Street Room 106 Sandersville, GA 31082 |
| Wayne County | (912) 427-5940 | 359 E Walnut St Jesup, GA 31546 |
| Webster County | (229) 828-3615 | 6330 Hamilton St. Room #101 Preston, GA 31824 |
| Wheeler County | (912) 568-7133 | 16 Pearl Ave #103 Alamo, GA 30411 |
| White County | (706) 865-4141 | 59 South Main Street, Suite H Cleveland, GA 30528 |
| Whitfield County | (706) 465-2227 | 205 N Selvidge Street Suite G Dalton, GA 30720 |
| Wilcox County | (229) 467-2220 | 103 North Broad Street Abbevillle, GA 31001 |
| Wilkes County | (706) 678-2523 | 23 Court Street, Room 422 Washington, GA 30673 |
| Wilkinson County | (478) 946-2222 | P.O. Box 201 Irwington, GA 31042 |
| Worth County | (229) 776-8207 | 201 North Main Street, Room 12 Sylvester, GA 31791 |
