Because US Savings Bonds are federal assets, they do not have to abide by the California Probate Code. The threshold for US savings bonds must go through probate is $100,000 or more.
While each state is different, California generally requires your personal representative to be bonded. The only exceptions are when the testator's will expressly waives the requirement (and the court permits this to happen) or all the beneficiaries will agree in writing to waive the bond requirement.
TO DISTRIBUTE BONDS TO THE PERSONS ENTITLED TO AN ESTATE: The legal representative of the estate needs to complete a Request by Fiduciary for Distribution of United States Treasury Securities (FS Form 1455) showing distribution is being made to the person(s) entitled.
If only one person is named on the bond and that person has died, the bond belongs to that person's estate. If two people are named on the bond and both have died, the bond belongs to the estate of the one who died last.
When do I need a contract surety bond? Any federal construction contract valued at $150,000 or more requires surety bonds when a contractor bids or as a condition of contract award. Most state and municipal governments have a similar requirement. Many private owners also elect to require contract surety bonds.
Due to their individual requirements and processes, the length of time it takes to acquire a probate bond varies from company to company. However, many surety companies can bond a person within 24 hours or as quickly as within the same business day.
Surety bonds are a common requirement in many industries, especially construction, where there is a higher risk of default. In large construction projects, owners will typically require a surety bond in order to protect themselves from financial loss in the event that the contractor fails to complete the project.