Rule 7.201 Waiver of bond in will

When someone writes a will, they can include a statement that says the executor (the person who handles the estate) does not need to post a bond. A bond is like a financial safety net that protects the people who inherit from the estate. If the will waives the bond, the person filing to open the probate case must mention that waiver in their paperwork.

Even if the will says no bond is needed, a judge can still require one. This most often happens when the executor lives outside of California, but a judge can also require a bond for other reasons they find valid. The will's waiver is not a guarantee that bond will be skipped.