Maryland Nominal Bond of Personal Representative

Maryland Personal Representative Bond

When a personal representative is appointed to close an estate, they must file a probate surety bond before taking control of the estate. If the Register of Wills or the estate's heirs waive the standard bond requirement, the personal representative must still obtain a nominal surety bond before they are appointed.

Maryland Estates and Trusts Code 6-102 requires all personal representatives to post a nominal bond if the standard bond is excused or waived. A nominal bond of personal representative ensures that the fiduciary will pay all estate debts and any inheritance taxes payable to the state. This unique type of probate bond only protects the estate’s creditors and the State of Maryland, not the heirs.

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

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What is the Required Bond Amount? How Much Does it Cost?

The county Register of Wills sets the required nominal bond amount based on the value of any debts or inheritance taxes payable by the personal representative. Most registers set the bond amount at $25,000, but it can vary depending on the county and the amount owed by the estate.

Jet Surety charges a flat fee of just $85 per year for any nominal probate bond up to $25,000. For any nominal bonds over $25,000, we use the same tiered pricing structure as the standard personal representative bond. Personal representatives may charge the bond premium as an estate expense according to Maryland Code 6-102g.

Apply online in minutes or call one of our probate bond experts at (855) 470-0877 to obtain your nominal bond today for just $85 per year.

What is the Purpose of a Maryland Nominal Bond of Personal Representative?

Probate bonds provide financial protection to all interested parties in an estate, ensuring that the personal representative will faithfully manage the estate’s assets and distribute all property according to law. If the decedent’s last will and testament or the intestate heirs choose to waive the standard probate bond, the State of Maryland still requires that estate debts and taxes are financially guaranteed with a surety bond. 

Maryland Code 6-102 states that if the personal representative fails to pay any debts owed by the decedent or any state inheritance taxes, the financially damaged party can be imbursed up to the nominal bond amount. This bond protects the estate’s creditors and the State of Maryland, but does not cover the heirs or beneficiaries of an estate. 

When is a Nominal Bond Required in Maryland?

According to Maryland Statute 6-102, the Register of Wills must require a nominal bond for personal representatives in the following situations:

If neither of the two requirements above is satisfied, the personal representative must still post a personal representative bond before taking control of the estate. The Register of Wills will waive the bond requirement entirely if the estate value does not exceed $10,000 after the payment of allowances and debts.

How Does the Application Process Work with Jet Surety?

Jet’s application process for nominal bonds is unlike any other - our goal is to get the personal representative bonded as quickly as possible so they can focus on their obligations. We only need the personal representative’s basic information and the estate name before offering our $85 per year rate.

APPLY FOR YOUR BOND

Once completed and submitted, you will receive your purchase price immediately or a Jet underwriter will reach out for more information. If you have any questions about applying, please call our probate underwriters at (855) 470-0877.

How Do You File a Nominal Bond with the Court?

Once you purchase your bond online, Jet will instantly send you an electronic copy of the bond for reference. On the same day of purchase, Jet executs the bond form and sends the original bond to the representative to sign and file with the Register of Wills. Jet (the Surety) and the personal representative must sign the original bond.

Maryland Probate Bond Filing

How Long Do You Need the Maryland Nominal Bond of Personal Representative?

The Register of Wills can release the bond once the personal representative has paid all debts and provided an approved final accounting. Once the estate is settled, the personal representative simply needs to email documentation to [email protected] so that we can cancel the bond and issue any applicable refund due back to the personal representative. 

All premiums paid after the first year are subject to a prorated refund for the unused term. The personal representative must renew their bond if the estate remains open for over a year.

What Actions of a Personal Representative Can Lead to Nominal Bond Claims?

Personal representatives play a vital role in a decedent’s estate, and any unethical action could financially damage the estate’s creditors or the State of Maryland. Anyone appointed as a personal representative must ensure they satisfy all debts owed by the estate and all inheritance taxes payable to the State of Maryland.

A creditor to the estate or the State of Maryland may file a claim against the nominal bond if the personal representative fails to pay off the estate’s debts and/or taxes. To avoid a bond claim, 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 Nominal Bond of Personal Representative?

Upon receiving 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, and we assess all documentation provided before 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.

Register of Wills Locations in Maryland

Below is a list of all the Register of Wills' offices located in the State of Maryland, as well as their addresses and contact information.

County RegisterPhoneMailing AddressEmail
Allegany County301-724-3760Annex Courthouse
59 Prospect Square - 1st Floor
Cumberland, Maryland 21502		[email protected]
Anne Arundel County410-222-14302011 E Commerce Park Drive
Annapolis, Maryland 21401		[email protected]
Baltimore County410-887-6680County Courts Building
401 Bosley Avenue, Room 500
Towson, Maryland 21204		[email protected]
Baltimore City County410-752-5131Courthouse East
111 North Calvert Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21202
Calvert County410-535-1600 x2256175 Main Street
Prince Frederick, MD 20678		[email protected]
Caroline County410-479-0717109 Market Street, Room 119
Denton, Maryland 21629		[email protected]
Carroll County410-848-258655 North Court Street
Westminster, Maryland 21157		[email protected]
Cecil County410-996-5330129 East Main Street, Ste 102
Elkton, Maryland 21921		[email protected]
Charles County301-932-334511 Washington Avenue
La Plata, MD 20646-3080		[email protected]
Dorchester County410-228-4181206 High Street
Cambridge, Maryland 21613		[email protected]
Frederick County301-600-6565100 West Patrick Street
Frederick, Maryland 21701
Garrett County301-334-1999313 East Alder Street
Room 103
Oakland, Maryland 21550		[email protected]
Harford County410-638-327518 Office Street, 1st Floor
Bel Air, Maryland 21014		[email protected]
Howard County 410-313-21339250 Judicial Way, Ste 1100
Ellicott City, Maryland 21043		[email protected]
Kent County410-778-7466103 North Cross Street
Chestertown, MD 21620		[email protected]
Montgomery County240-777-960050 Maryland Avenue
North Tower 3220
Rockville, Maryland 20850		[email protected]
Prince George's County301-952-325014735 Main Street
Upper Marlboro,MD 20773		[email protected]
Queen Anne's County410-758-0585107 North Liberty Street
Suite 220
Centreville, MD 21617		[email protected]
Somerset County410-651-169630512 Prince William Street
Princess Anne, MD 21853
St. Mary's County301-475-556641605 Courthouse Drive
Room #G008
Leonardtown, MD 20650		[email protected]
Talbot County410-770-670011 N. Washington Street
Easton, MD 21601		[email protected]
Washington County301-739-3612100 W. Washington Street
Suite 3400
Hagerstown, MD 21740		[email protected]
Wicomico County410-543-6635101 North Division Street
Room 102
Salisbury, MD 21801
Worcester County410-632-15291 West Market Street
Room 102
Snow Hill, MD 21863		[email protected]
Maryland Register of Wills Locations and Contact Information

Maryland Nominal Bond of Personal Representative Form
Maryland Personal Representative Bond Form

Notary Bond Application:

X

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:

X

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:

X

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: