Idaho Conservator Bond: A Comprehensive Guide

This guide provides information for insurance agents to help their customers obtain an Idaho Conservator bond.

At a Glance:

• Average Cost: Calculated based on a tiered structure
• Bond Amount: Determined on a case-by-case basis (more on this later)
• Who Needs It: Most conservators appointed as fiduciaries in Idaho
• Purpose: To ensure the protected person receives compensation for financial harm if the conservator mismanages their estate
• Who Regulates Conservator Bonds in Idaho: The district court with jurisdiction over where the protected person resides or has property

Background

Idaho Code 15-5-401 requires all conservators to be appointed by a court before assuming their fiduciary duties. The Idaho legislature enacted the appointment requirement to ensure conservators act in the protected person’s best interests when managing their estate. To provide financial security for the enforcement of this requirement, most conservators must purchase and maintain a probate surety bond before becoming appointed as a fiduciary.

What is the Purpose of the Idaho Conservator Bond?

Idaho requires most conservators to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to being appointed as a fiduciary over an estate. The bond ensures that the protected person will receive compensation for financial harm if the conservator fails to abide by the regulations outlined in Idaho Code 15-5-411 and 15-5-412. Specifically, the bond protects the estate if the conservator fails to adhere to all court orders or mismanages the estate’s assets.

For example, if a conservator uses money from the protected person’s bank account to pay for unauthorized expenses or mixes the estate’s funds with their own, the protected person can file a claim against the conservator’s bond to recoup their losses. In short, the bond is a type of insurance in favor of the protected person if the conservator does not fulfill their fiduciary duties.

How Can an Insurance Agent Obtain an Idaho Conservator Bond?

BondExchange makes obtaining an Idaho Conservator bond easy. Simply log-in to your account and use our keyword search to find the “Conservator” bond in our database. Don’t have a login? Gain access now and let us help you satisfy your customers’ needs. Our friendly underwriting staff is available by phone (800) 438-1162, email or chat from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM EST to assist you.

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How is the Bond Amount Determined?

Idaho Code 15-5-411 dictates that the bond amount must equal the aggregate capital value of the estate’s property under the conservator’s control plus the estimated income to be generated by the estate over the next year.

The bond amount may be reduced by the value of any assets deposited that cannot be withdrawn without a court order or any land that the conservator can not sell without authorization from the court. Conservators that do not wish to purchase a bond may request to submit another form of collateral instead, such as a pledge of securities or a mortgage of land.

Can the Bond Amount be Adjusted?

Yes, as Idaho Code 15-5-416 allows for any person interested in the welfare of the protected person may petition the court to adjust the required bond amount or require an additional bond if they deem one necessary. The court will have the final say in making any changes to the required bond amount.

What are the Underwriting Requirements for the Idaho Conservator Bond?

Most surety companies will examine the following factors when determining eligibility for the Idaho Conservator bond:

• Conservator’s credit history
• Whether or not the estate has an attorney
• Whether or not the conservator is a family member
• The conservator’s occupation
• Whether or not the conservator is replacing a prior fiduciary
• If the conservator has ever committed a felony
• Whether or not there is any ongoing business in the estate
• If a creditor is requiring the bond
• If the bond amount is greater than or equal to the estate’s value

How Much Does the Idaho Conservator Bond Cost?

Surety companies typically determine the premium rate for Conservator bonds based on a tiered structure, so larger bond amounts will be charged a lower premium rate than smaller bonds. Idaho Code 15-5-414 allows for the protected person’s estate to pay for the cost of the bond.

The following table illustrates the pricing structure for the Idaho Conservator bond:

$1,500,000 Conservator Bond Cost

Who is Required to Purchase the Bond?

Idaho requires most conservators to purchase a surety bond as a prerequisite to becoming a court-appointed fiduciary. To paraphrase Idaho Code 15-1-201 and 15-5-101, a “conservator” is an individual or organization appointed as a fiduciary to manage and make decisions for a person’s care and/or property. Likewise, a “protected person” is a minor or incapacitated adult for whom a conservator has been appointed. Additionally, a “minor” is a person under the age of 18, and an “incapacitated adult” is an adult who has been judged by a court to be legally unable to manage their property or take care of themselves.

The court has the authority to waive the required bond on a case-by-case basis and will typically consider the monetary value of the estate when determining if a bond is necessary. In lieu of a bond, the court may require the conservator to deposit funds in a restricted account.

How do Idaho Conservators Become Appointed as Fiduciaries?

Conservators in Idaho must navigate several steps to become appointed as fiduciaries. Below are the general guidelines, but appointees should refer to the appointment statutes or the Idaho Judicial Branch’s website for details on the process.

Step 1 – Hire an Attorney

Although not explicitly required, it is highly recommended that conservators hire an attorney to assist with the conservatorship process.

Step 2 – Determine Priority

Priority to serve as a conservator is granted in the following order:

• • An individual or corporation nominated by the protected person if the person has sufficient mental capacity and is at least 14 years of age
  • An individual or corporation nominated by the protected person under the person’s financial power of attorney
  • The spouse of the protected person or their nominee
  • The adult child of the protected person or their nominee
  • Persons already appointed as a fiduciary over the protected person in this state or another, or that fiduciary’s nominee
  • A parent of the individual or a nominee by the parent’s will
  • A relative of the individual who has resided with the individual for at least 6 months before the petition is filed
  • A person or corporation nominated by an entity caring for or paying benefits to the individual

The court will appoint the conservator best suited for the individual and may choose to appoint a person with lower priority or without priority. No convicted felon may be appointed as a conservator unless the court finds their appointment would be in the best interests of the conservator.

Step 3 – File a Petition for Appointment

Persons seeking a conservatorship over a minor or incapacitated adult must file a petition for appointment with the district court in the county where the minor/adult resides or owns property. Petitioners can obtain the necessary forms online here or from the court, and must ensure they include the following information:

• • Personal information of the proposed protected person
  • Personal information about the person seeking the appointment
  • General statement and evaluation of the minor/adult’s estate
  • The reasoning for why a conservatorship is necessary
  • A financial plan for the conservatorship
  • Any additional information requested by the court

Any person interested in the individual’s estate, affairs, or welfare may petition the court to begin protective proceedings over a minor or incapacitated adult. Typically, a family member, trustee, or adult protection service would file the petition.

Step 4 – Attend a Hearing

Conservators must attend a hearing conducted by the court and present evidence as to why the minor or incapacitated adult is in need of conservatorship. The court will examine the evidence presented by the conservator as well as that presented by the individual being evaluated (if any) and make a determination as to whether or not conservatorship is necessary. The court may appoint a visitor to evaluate the proposed protected person and submit a report on the appropriateness of a conservatorship which will be used as evidence in the hearing.

Any interested person can apply to the court to participate in the hearing. If the court finds a basis for the appointment, it will issue a letter of conservatorship to the petitioner.

Step 5 – Purchase a Surety Bond

Unless otherwise exempt, conservators must purchase and maintain a surety bond (limits outlined above).

How do Idaho Conservators File Their Bonds?

Conservators should file their completed bond forms, including the power of attorney, to the clerk of the district court with jurisdiction over where the protected person resides or owns property.

The surety bond requires signatures from the surety company that issues the bond and the applicant. The surety company should include the following information on the bond form:

• Legal name of the entity/individual(s) buying the bond
• Legal name of the protected person’s estate
• Surety company’s legal name and address
• Bond amount
• Date the bond is signed and goes into effect
• Judicial district and county where the protective proceedings take place

What can Idaho Conservators do to Avoid Claims Made Against Their Bonds?

To avoid claims against their bonds, conservators in Idaho must ensure that they:

• Perform all of their fiduciary duties
• Obey all court orders
• Do not mismanage the estate’s property
• Obtain court approval before using any of the estate’s funds