In California Probate Court, if your assets are required to go through probate, the first step in the process is for an executor or administrator to be appointed as the personal representative. If the deceased died with a will, the will’s appointed executor will take that position. If there is no will, an administrator will need to be appointed.
If there is a will, the executor must file a will with a “Petition for Probate” in the county in which the deceased lived. The probate process will be used to ensure that the will of the deceased filed with the court is valid. The executor will also have to provide notice to all estate beneficiaries about the death and probate hearing. Once everything is determined to be authentic, the executor is given authority over the estate assets.
If there is not a will, an administrator will have to look at state law to determine how assets are to be distributed.
Executors and administrators may also be required to obtain a surety or estate bond to protect the interest of the estate and its beneficiaries in accordance with California state law.
Where can you purchase instant executor and administrator surety bonds?
Colonial Surety offers the direct and digital way to obtain executor or administrator bonds, also known as estate bonds, personal representative bonds, and probate bonds. We are the insurance company — which means no agent, no broker, and no middleman. We make it easy to obtain your bond instantly. The steps are easy — get a quote online, fill out your information, satisfy underwriting requirements, and enter your payment method. Print or e-file your bond from your office. It’s that simple!