Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Surety Bonds and Commercial Insurance
Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Surety Bonds: Best Practices for Estate Bond Compliance 1024 683 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Avoiding Common Pitfalls of Surety Bonds: Best Practices for Estate Bond Compliance

Estate bonds, also known as fiduciary bonds or probate bonds, are often necessary when it comes to managing an estate while serving as an executor or administrator. However, if you’re unfamiliar with surety bonds, it’s easy to make mistakes that can delay the process or even cause legal complications. Understanding…

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Surety Bond Requirements for Representative Payees 1000 667 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Surety Bond Requirements for Representative Payees

Becoming a representative payee for a loved one is an important responsibility. It becomes your job to ensure their financial needs are met and their funds are properly managed. This is why a surety bond is normally required. These bonds provide a layer of financial protection for the person whose…

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Should You Use a Personal Representative? Estate Planning, Bonds, and More 1000 667 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Should You Use a Personal Representative? Estate Planning, Bonds, and More

Planning for the future is never easy, but ensuring your estate is handled properly is one of the most important decisions you can make for your loved ones. When preparing a will, you’ll need to designate someone to manage your estate after you pass away. This person is known as…

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people discussing surety bonds and commercial liability insurance
How Appeal Bonds Help Protect Your Assets During an Appeal 1024 535 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

How Appeal Bonds Help Protect Your Assets During an Appeal

When a court decision doesn’t go in your favor, filing an appeal can be the next logical step. However, appealing a judgment or an order isn’t as simple as just submitting paperwork and waiting for a new decision. If the judgment involves a financial obligation—such as damages, penalties, or asset…

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What to Do When a Guardian Steps Down, and How to Manage the Transfer 1000 667 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

What to Do When a Guardian Steps Down, and How to Manage the Transfer

Guardianship is a serious legal responsibility that ensures the well-being and financial stability of an incapacitated adult, minor, or another vulnerable individual. But what happens when a guardian steps down? Whether due to health issues, personal circumstances, or court orders, the transition from one guardian to another must be handled…

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calculating investments for beneficiaries
Why Do Surety Companies Examine Credit Scores for Probate Bonds? 1024 603 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Why Do Surety Companies Examine Credit Scores for Probate Bonds?

When someone is appointed as an executor, guardian, trustee, or administrator of an estate, they take on a significant financial and legal responsibility. Managing someone else’s assets (whether distributing an inheritance, overseeing financial affairs, or ensuring proper care for a minor or incapacitated adult) requires accountability, integrity, and adherence to…

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New MyMNConservator (MMC) Updates: What You Need to Know 1024 684 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

New MyMNConservator (MMC) Updates: What You Need to Know

The Minnesota Judicial Branch has recently made several updates to its MyMNConservator (MMC) online application, a tool used by conservators to file inventory and annual accountings electronically. Originally launched in 2014, MMC is designed to simplify the reporting process for conservators and improve transparency and accuracy in managing finances for…

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Understanding the Legal Language of Surety Bonds 800 533 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Understanding the Legal Language of Surety Bonds

Surety bonds can be a complex as they are filled with industry-specific legal terms that may confuse anyone unfamiliar with the field. However, anyone involved in a surety bond agreement—whether you are a business owner, a contractor, or a person who will be managing a conservatorship or guardianship—should at least…

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Updates on Minnesota Guardianships: Personal Well-Being Reports 640 418 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

Updates on Minnesota Guardianships: Personal Well-Being Reports

As of April 15, 2024, a significant update to the Minnesota guardianship statutes has been enacted, affecting all guardians in the state of Minnesota. This new regulation mandates that guardians must file annual Personal Well-Being Reports and Affidavits of Service using the MyMNGuardian (MMG) online application.   About the Statute Update…

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The Financial Role of a Representative Payee for Veterans’ Funds 800 533 Patrick J. Thomas Agency

The Financial Role of a Representative Payee for Veterans’ Funds

Serving as a representative payee for a veteran in Minnesota is a significant responsibility, as they play an essential role in managing and distributing funds when a beneficiary is unable to handle their own finances due to age, disability, or other factors. This role goes beyond simply managing the money—it…

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