Our Blog - Surety Matters

An empty home might be a valuable source of steady, monthly income for family members, friends or other beneficiaries. Are they allowed to rent it out upon the death of a loved one?  Follow The…
Read Moreabout The Value of an Inherited Home in The Airbnb Era

Just as the word implies, a trustee is a person entrusted with assets intended for the benefit of others. Specifically, as Investopedia explains: A trust is a fiduciary relationship in which one party, known as a trustor,…
Read Moreabout Understanding the Essential Duties of a Trustee

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ, March 2, 2021 Colonial Surety Company is excited to launch the newest addition in a growing portfolio of digital, direct-to-customer, bond, and insurance products. As an insurtech innovator, Colonial is advancing a…
Read Moreabout Court & Fiduciary Bonds Online, Instantly | The Partnership Account® for Attorneys

If you have made a will or trust—good for you! But, if it is outdated, it may cause a lot of headaches down the road. Here’s a quick way to assess potential updates needed.  Time…
Read Moreabout An Annual Checkup You Really Can Do For Yourself

In conversation, the words “heir” and “beneficiary” are commonly used synonymously. Legally, they are not! Read on to understand the difference. If There’s A Will, There’s A… Plan for beneficiaries!  In other words, in a…
Read Moreabout Confused? Learn the Difference Between Heirs and Beneficiaries

How should court-appointed guardians handle decisions about the COVID-19 vaccine with their wards? Experts advise: apply the substituted judgment standard. Focus On The Ward’s Wishes and Values Carefully and respectfully making important decisions on behalf…
Read Moreabout Guardians and Vaccine Decisions

A trustee must follow the prudent investor rule in managing the assets of a trust. Keep in mind: this is a process-based standard—not a performance-based one. Investing Trust Assets Volatile markets present unique challenges to…
Read Moreabout What’s a Trustee To Do: Facing Volatile Markets

Protecting the Vulnerable: Fiduciary Duties and Bonds Explained When someone cannot make sound decisions for themselves, a court can appoint a fiduciary to do so. Often, courts require fiduciary bonds to protect “the ward.” Safeguarding…
Read Moreabout Protecting the Vulnerable: Fiduciary Duties and Bonds Explained

What happens when an estate or trust plan has been set up to continue the operations of a business beyond the owner’s death—but the business ultimately does not provide value to the beneficiaries? Prioritizing the…
Read Moreabout Duty-Bound to Beneficiaries: Insights for Executors and Trustees