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March 29, 2024 Rain | 38°F
The 193rd General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Section 5-411: Terms and Requirements of Bonds

Section 5–411. [Terms and Requirements of Bonds.]

(a) The following requirements and provisions apply to any bond required under sections 5–208, 5–305 and 5–307:

(1) Bonds shall name the first judge of the court making the appointment and his successors as obligee for the benefit of the persons interested in the estate and shall be conditioned upon the faithful discharge by the fiduciary of all duties according to law.

(2) Unless otherwise provided by the terms of the approved bond, sureties are jointly and severally liable with the guardian or conservator and with each other.

(3) By executing an approved bond of a guardian or conservator, the surety consents to the jurisdiction of the court that issued letters to the primary obligor in any proceeding pertaining to the fiduciary duties of the guardian or conservator and naming the surety as a party respondent. Notice of any proceeding on the bond shall be delivered to the surety or mailed by registered or certified mail to the address listed with the court at the place where the bond is filed and to the address as then known to the petitioner.

(4) On petition of a successor guardian or conservator or any interested person, a proceeding may be initiated against a surety for breach of the obligation of the bond of the guardian or conservator.

(5) The bond of the guardian or conservator is not void after the first recovery but may be proceeded against from time to time until the whole penalty is exhausted.

(6) If a new bond is required, the sureties on the prior bond shall be liable for all breaches of the conditions thereof committed before the new bond is approved and filed.

(7) In no event shall any surety be liable for any claim or cause of action arising out of or in any way connected with acts or omissions of the guardian or conservator occurring prior to the appointment of such person as guardian or conservator.

(b) No proceeding may be commenced against the surety on any matter as to which an action or proceeding against the primary obligor is barred.