What Does a Notary Do?

Notaries are officials appointed by a state government, usually by the state’s Secretary of State office, to serve the public interest as an impartial witness to certify the validity of documentation signings, while helping to deter fraudulent activities in the...

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The Duties of Conservators and Guardians

Guardians and conservators are appointed to the incapacitated, the elderly, the disabled or minors to care for the affairs and needs of these wars. But what are the specific duties of a guardian and a conservator? And how do they...

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How a Court Appointed Guardianship is Established

Some people may be too young, mentally unfit, or physically unwell to be able to make financial or legal decisions. They may not be able to fully understand the ramifications of their decisions and what factors are really at play,...

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What are Referees and What Do They Do?

Oftentimes there can be disputes between co-owners of land or buildings that can’t be resolved by negotiation or mediation. Their ownership interest in property can then be partitioned in a partition action. But who handles this partition of the real...

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Receivers vs. Trustees in Bankruptcy

Both receivers and trustees are involved in bankruptcy, but only certain types. Receivership is both a feature of Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is used for reorganization of a business entity under the United States bankruptcy laws, as well as a...

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What Happens if My Parents Die Without a Will?

It's not uncommon for a family member to pass away without a will. Whether it's because they don't want to confront the end of their life approaching or simply don't think they have enough assets to make preparing a will...

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Florida Probate Court Personal Representative Bond Requirements

Here's something you probably didn't know: when you're named as a personal representative in a Probate Court case in Florida, the court requires you to purchase an estate bond to protect interested persons in the probate estate from any potential...

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What is a Surety Bond?

Click here to get a Surety Bond A surety bond may be required for a range of activities including gaining a contractor's license to appealing a court case to obtaining a mortgage broker license. But what exactly is a surety...

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What Even Lawyers Don’t Know About New York Surrogate’s Court

The Surrogate’s Court in the State of New York hears cases involving the affairs of decedents, the administration of estates, the probate of wills, and adoptions. But did you know that even lawyers don’t know everything involving bonding and the...

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How Much ERISA Fidelity Bond Coverage Do I Need?

Every person who "handles funds or property" of an employee benefit plan must be covered by an ERISA Fidelity Bond  unless they fall under an ERISA Act exemption. But exactly how much fidelity bond coverage does one need? In general,...

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