Tennessee Conservator and Guardian Bond

Tennessee Probate Bond

In Tennessee, when a person cannot care for themselves or their property, the probate court will appoint a "conservator" or "guardian" to make decisions on their behalf. The appointed individual, also known as a fiduciary, may be required to obtain a surety bond as outlined in Title 34 of the Tennessee Code. The surety bond safeguards the interests of the protected person and their estate from any financial harm caused by the actions of the conservator or guardian.

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

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What Size Bond Do You Need?

The probate court judge overseeing your case will set the required bond amount when they enter an order appointing you as fiduciary. The judge will only require a bond if the fiduciary manages the protected person’s property. Generally, the bond's value must adequately safeguard the protected person, their estate's assets, and all relevant parties. 

Tennessee Code 34-1-105 dictates that conservators and guardians must furnish a bond equal to the fair market value of the minor/adult’s personal property plus the expected income the estate will generate over the next year. The court may also increase or decrease the bond amount to reflect any change in the estate’s value.

How Much Does the Tennessee Conservator and Guardian Bond Cost?

Jet charges a base price of $150 per year for the Tennessee Conservator/Guardian Bond, with the specific cost varying depending on the bond amount. See the chart below to calculate the price for larger bonds. In Tennessee, conservators and guardians can pay the bond premium from estate funds according to TN Code 34-1-113.

To determine how much the bond will cost, conservators and guardians can follow the steps listed below:

  1. Determine the Required Bond Amount

After ruling that a conservatorship/guardianship is needed, the probate court judge will enter an order of appointment naming the fiduciary and setting their required bond amount.

  1. Calculate the Total Cost

Guardian and conservator bonds up to $20,000 in size cost $150 per year. For each additional $1,000 increase, 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+
Tennessee Guardianship/Conservatorship Bond Cost

We provide discounted tiered pricing that reduces the percentage rate for larger bond amounts. Applicants can also save money by purchasing bonds for multiple years in advance. Apply online in minutes or call one of our probate bond experts at (855) 470-0877 to determine how much your bond will cost.

What Is the Difference Between a Conservator and a Guardian in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, guardians are appointed over minors exclusively and must provide care and/or make financial decisions on the minor’s behalf. In contrast, conservators are appointed over adults who are declared disabled by the court and will be in charge of managing the adult's health and/or finances. Title 34 of the Tennessee Code sets forth the responsibilities and duties of each fiduciary type. Below are descriptions of each position, along with their corresponding bond requirements:

Other Important Terms to Know

Why Is the Tennessee Conservator or Guardian Bond Required? Are There Surety Bond Exemptions?

When a conservator or guardian is appointed to manage a protected person’s estate, the probate courts in Tennessee will require a surety bond according to Tennessee Code 34-1-105. The bond safeguards the interests and well-being of the protected person’s estate and serves as a form of insurance that guarantees the responsible and ethical behavior of the fiduciary.

By requiring a bond, the court can help mitigate loss from mismanagement or misuse of the estate's property by the fiduciary and can help ensure they act in accordance with Title 34 of the Tennessee Code. The bond can also compensate the protected person’s estate for any losses incurred due to the actions of the conservator or guardian.

The court may waive the surety bond requirement in the following situations:

Conservators and guardians that do not wish to purchase a surety bond can request to submit a pledge of property equal in value to 150% of the bond amount.

How Is the Conservator or Guardian Chosen by the Probate Court?

The probate court will always appoint the person who best serves the protected person's interests. Any interested party may petition the court to appoint a conservator or guardian over another individual. The order of appointment for conservators in Tennessee is as follows:

The probate court will follow a similar procedure when choosing who to appoint as guardian, and the order of appointment is as follows:

In all cases, the court will consider the preferred nominee made by the respondent and appoint the person who will serve the respondent's best interests.

How To Apply for the Tennessee Conservator or Guardian Bond with Jet

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

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Once completed and submitted, you will receive your purchase price immediately or a Jet underwriter will review the application. 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.

How Does the Bond Get Filed with the Probate 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, 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.

Tennessee Probate Bond Process

Can the Tennessee Guardian or Conservator Bond Be Canceled?

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 [email protected] 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.

How Long Do You Need the Bond?

In Tennessee, the probate court requires that the bond remain on record throughout the fiduciary's entire appointment period, which spans until the adult is no longer in need of a conservator or the minor turns 18 years old. Until that point, the court requires that the bond remains active.

A guardian or conservator can file a petition to the court to terminate the fiduciary relationship, and the court will grant the petition if they find no basis for the appointment. Once the judge approves the petition, the fiduciary must submit a final accounting within 60-120 days. Afterward, the court will release the guardian or conservator from liability, and Jet will cancel the bond.

As for renewing your bond, Jet sends a renewal invoice by email and mail before the bond term’s expiration date. As long as you make your renewal payment, the bond will remain active with the probate court.

How Does a Fiduciary Avoid Surety Bond Claims in Tennessee?

The probate court expects the guardian or conservator to fulfill all duties and obligations under Title 34 of the Tennessee Code. Failing to meet these requirements or not adhering to all court orders can result in a bond claim. Some common violations that may lead to a bond claim include the following:

Here are some violations that may lead to bond claims on the Tennessee Guardian Bond:

Any person with proven damages caused by the actions of the guardian or conservator may file a claim against the bond, including the protected person, creditors to the estate, or the protected person's legal representation.

What Happens if I Get a Tennessee Guardian Bond Claim?

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 fiduciaries against faulty claims. Even if the court has requested a bond payout, we assess all documentation provided by the court and the conservator before paying out the claim. However, as a fiduciary and indemnitor, you will ultimately be required to reimburse Jet Insurance Company for the full claim payout.

County Court Locations in Tennessee

Below is a list of all the county courts located in the State of Tennessee, as well as their addresses and contact information.

County CourthousePhoneMailing AddressEmail
Anderson County(865) 457-6205100 North Main Street, Suite 308
Clinton, TN 37716
[email protected]
Bedford County(931) 684-1672108 Northcreek Drive, Suite 155
Shelbyville, TN 37160
Benton County(731) 584-44351 Court Square, Room 206
Camden, TN 38320
Bledsoe County(423) 939-0922P. O. Box 2198
Jasper, TN 37398
Blount County(865) 273-5500930 E Lamar Alexander Parkway
Maryville, TN 37804
Bradley County(423) 728-7209155 N Ocoee Street, Room 203
Cleveland, TN 37311
[email protected]
Campbell County(423) 562-3496570 Main Street, Suite 110
Jacksboro, TN 37757
[email protected]
Cannon County(615) 563-5936200 West Main Street
Woodbury, TN 37190
Carroll County(731) 986-193299 Court Square #103
Huntingdon, TN 38344
Carter County(423) 542-1812801 East Elk Avenue
Elizabethton, TN 37643
[email protected]
Cheatham County(615) 792-4620100 Public Square, Suite 106
Ashland City, TN 37015
Chester County(731) 989-7171333 Eric Bell Drive, Suite C
Henderson, TN 38340
Claiborne County(423) 626-32841740 Main St. #201
Tazewell, TN 37879
Clay County(931) 243-3145100 Courthouse Square
Celina, TN 38551
[email protected]
Cocke County(423) 623-3321360 East Main Street Suite 103, Courthouse Annex
Newport, TN 37821
[email protected]
Coffee County(931) 723-5132300 Hillsboro Blvd., Box 8
Manchester, TN 37355
[email protected]
Crockett County(731) 696-5458One South Bell Street, Suite 5
Alamo, TN 38001
[email protected]
Cumberland County(931) 484-473160 Justice Center Dr., Suite 226
Crossville, TN 38555
[email protected]
Davidson County(615) 862-59801 Public Square, Suite 302
Nashville, TN 37201
[email protected]
Decatur County(731) 852-342222 West Main Street
Decaturville, TN 38329
[email protected]
DeKalb County(615) 597-4360One Public Square, Room 302
Smithville, TN 37166
[email protected]
Dickson County(615) 789-7011500 Spring Street
Charlotte, TN 37036
[email protected]
Dyer County(731) 286-7818Dyer County Courthouse, Rm. 201
Dyersburg, TN 38024
[email protected]
Fayette County(901) 465-521916755 Highway 64, Suite 210
Somerville, TN 38068
[email protected]
Fentress County(931) 879-8615140 Justice Center Drive, Suite 110
Jamestown, TN 38556
[email protected]
Franklin County(931) 967-2843440 George Fraley Parkway, Box 4
Winchester, TN 37398
[email protected]
Gibson County(731) 855-7639204 N Courtsquare
Trenton, TN 38382
[email protected]
Giles County(931) 363-26201 Public Square
Pulaski, TN 38478
[email protected]
Grainger County(865) 828-4436270 Justice Center Drive Ste. 107
Rutledge, TN 37861
[email protected]
Greene County(423) 798-1742101 South Main Street
Greenville, TN 37743
clerk&[email protected]
Grundy County602-506-366868 Cumberland Street, Suite 200
Altamont, TN 37301
[email protected]
Hamblen County(423) 586-9112511 West Second North Street
Morristown, TN 37814
[email protected]
Hamilton County(423) 209-6600300 Courthouse 625 Georgia Avenue
Chattanooga, TN 37402
[email protected]
Hancock County(423) 733-45241237 Main Street, Suite 104
Sneedville, TN 37869
[email protected]
Hardeman County(731) 658-3142PO Box 45
Bolivar, TN 38008
[email protected]
Hardin County(731) 925-8166465 Main Street
Savannah, TN 38372
[email protected]
Hawkins County(423) 272-8150100 E. Main Street, Suite 316
Rogersville, TN 37857
[email protected]
Haywood County(731) 772-0122100 South Dupree Avenue
Brownsville, TN 38012
[email protected]
Henderson County(731) 968-280117 Monroe Street, 2nd Floor, Room 2
Lexington, TN 38351
[email protected]
Henry County(731) 642-4234PO Box 313
Paris, TN 38242
[email protected]
Hickman County(931) 729-2522104 College Avenue, Suite 202
Centerville, TN 37033
[email protected]
Houston County602-506-36684725 East Main Street
Erin, TN 37061
[email protected]
Humphreys County(931) 296-2558100 North Court Square
Waverly, TN 37185
[email protected]
Jackson County(931) 268-9516101 East Hull Avenue
Gainesboro, TN 38562
[email protected]
Jefferson County(865) 397-2404202 W. Main St.
Dandridge, TN 37725
[email protected]
Johnson County(423) 727-7853202 West Main Street
Mountain City, TN 37683
[email protected]
Knox County(865) 215-2389400 Main Street, 3rd Floor, City-County Building, Suite 352
Knoxville, TN 37902
[email protected]
Lake County(731) 253-8926229 Church Street, Box 12
Tiptonville, TN 38079
[email protected]
Lauderdale County(731) 635-1941Courthouse, 100 Court Square
Ripley, TN 38063
[email protected]
Lawrence County(931) 766-4182240 W. Gaines St., NBU #13
Lawrenceburg, TN 38464
[email protected]
Lewis County(931) 796-373429 W Main Street
Hohenwald, TN 38462
[email protected]
Lincoln County(931) 433-1482112 Main Avenue South Room B-109
Fayetteville, TN 37334
[email protected]
Loudon County(865) 986-350512680 Highway 11 West, Suite 3
Lenoir City, TN 37771
[email protected]
Macon County(615) 666-2000906 Highway 52 Bypass East
LaFayette, TN 37083
[email protected]
Madison County(731) 423-6032Courthouse, Room 200, 100 East Main Street
Jackson, TN 38301
[email protected]
Marion County(423) 942-26011 Courthouse Square, Suite 203
Jasper, TN 37347
[email protected]
Marshall County(931) 359-2181201 Marshall County Courthouse
Lewisburg, TN 37091
[email protected]
Maury County(931) 375-130741 Public Square
Columbia, TN 38401
[email protected]
McMinn County(423) 745-12816 East Madison Ave
Athens, TN 37303
[email protected]
McNairy County(731) 645-5446170 West Court Ave. ​Room 205
Selmer, TN 38375
[email protected]
Meigs County(423) 334-5243Meigs County Courthouse, Suite 206, 17214 TN-58
Decatur, TN 37322
[email protected]
Monroe County(423) 442-2644105 College Street, Suite # 2
Madisonville, TN 37354
[email protected]
Montgomery County(931) 648-57032 Millennium Plaza Suite 101
Clarksville, TN 37040
[email protected]
Moore County(931) 759-7028196 Main Street, Suite 312
Lynchburg, TN 37352
[email protected]
Morgan County(423) 346-3881415 North Kingston Street, Room 104
Wartburg, TN 37887
[email protected]
Obion County(731) 507-09996, Bill Burnett Circle
Union City, TN 38281
[email protected]
Overton County(931) 823-2536100 E. Court Sq., Ste. 100
Livingston, TN 38570
[email protected]
Perry County(931) 589-2217121 Main St
Linden, TN 37096
[email protected]
Pickett County(931) 864-33591 Courthouse Square, Suite 203
Byrdstown, TN 385479
[email protected]
Polk County(423) 338-4522161 Industrial Access Circle, Room 110
Benton, TN 37307
[email protected]
Putnam County(931) 526-6321421 E. Spring St., Suite 1C38
Cookeville, TN 38501
[email protected]
Rhea County(423) 775-78067824 Rhea Co. Hwy
Dayton, TN 37321
[email protected]
Roane County(865) 376-2487200 East Race Street, Suite 12
Kingston, TN 37763
[email protected]
Robertson County(615) 384-5650501 South Main Street, Room 103
Springfield, TN 37172
[email protected]
Rutherford County(615) 898-7860116 W. Lytle St., Suite 5101
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
[email protected]
Scott County(423) 663-2627575 Scott High Drive, Suite C
Huntsville, TN 37756
[email protected]
Sequatchie County(423) 949-367022 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor
Dunlap, TN 37327
[email protected]
Sevier County(865) 453-5502125 Court Ave, Suite 202E
Sevierville, TN 37862
[email protected]
Shelby County(901) 222-3750140 Adams Avenue, Room 124
Memphis, TN 38103
[email protected]
Smith County(615) 735-2092322 Justice Drive, Suite 105
Carthage, TN 37030
[email protected]
Stewart County(931) 232-5665225 Donelson Parkway, Main Floor
Dover, TN 37058
[email protected]
Sullivan County(423) 323-6483140 Blountville Bypass
Blountville, TN 37617
[email protected]
Sumner County(615) 451-6036100 Public Square, Rooms 400 & 401
Gallatin, TN 37066
[email protected]
Tipton County(901) 476-0207220 Highway 51 N, Suite 2
Covington, TN 38019
[email protected]
Trousdale County(615) 374-2996303 East Main St, Ste 1
Hartsville, TN 67074
[email protected]
Unicoi County(423) 743-9541PO Box 46
Erwin, TN 37650
[email protected]
Union County(865) 992-5942901 Main Street, Suite 206
Maynardville, TN 37807
[email protected]
Van Buren County(931) 946-7175121 Taft Drive
Spencer, TN 38585
[email protected]
Warren County(931) 473-2364111 South Court Square, Suite 105
McMinnville, TN 37110
[email protected]
Washington County(423) 788-1450108 W Jackson Boulevard, Suite 2109
Jonesborough, TN 37659
[email protected]
Wayne County(931) 722-5517P.O. Box 101, Suite 201
Waynesboro, TN 38485
[email protected]
Weakley County(731) 364-3454P.O. Box 197
Dresden, TN 38225
[email protected]
White County(931) 836-3205111 Depot Street, Suite 1
Sparta, TN 38583
[email protected]
Williamson County(615) 790-5428135 4th Avenue South, Room 236
Franklin, TN 37064
[email protected]
Wilson County(615) 466-5311134 South College Street, Room 200
Lebanon, TN 37087
[email protected]
Tennessee County Court Locations and Contact Information

Tennessee Probate Bond Form
Tennessee 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: