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M. BURR KEIM AGENCY · Fiduciary & Probate Bonds · Reviewed November 2026

VA Legal Custodian Bond

A VA legal custodian bond is a surety bond required for a fiduciary who manages benefits on behalf of a veteran or beneficiary under a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guardianship or custody arrangement. It protects the beneficiary’s funds if the custodian fails to account for or properly use them.

Apply for This Bond Online How to Apply Questions

At a glance

Product
VA Legal Custodian Bond
Category
Fiduciary & Probate Bonds
Required amount
The VA sets the bond amount, generally based on the amount of benefits under management and the fiduciary’s authority. The amount can change as the benefit account grows or the fiduciary’s duties change. Confirm the required amount and obligee with the VA fiduciary program.
Online issue
Instant issue up to $50,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $50,000 up to $300,000. Underwriting review is required over $300,000. VA-specific forms or account changes may require additional review.
Term
The bond usually remains in force until the VA fiduciary appointment ends and the VA releases the bond. The VA may require periodic renewal or a new bond as the account changes. Follow the VA’s instructions for maintaining the bond.

Who needs a VA Legal Custodian Bond?

  • A fiduciary appointed by the VA to manage benefits for a veteran or other VA beneficiary.
  • A legal custodian required to file a surety bond with the VA before receiving or managing benefits.
  • An individual or entity serving as a VA fiduciary where the VA requires a bond based on the benefit amount.

Why is a VA Legal Custodian Bond required?

The VA appoints fiduciaries to manage benefits for veterans and beneficiaries who cannot manage their own funds. The bond gives the VA and the beneficiary a recovery source if the fiduciary misappropriates benefits or fails to account for them.

The VA sets the bond amount and the required form. The bond is not a substitute for the fiduciary’s accounting obligations or the VA’s supervision, and the fiduciary must follow VA rules on the use of benefits.

How much bond do I need?

The VA sets the bond amount, generally based on the amount of benefits under management and the fiduciary’s authority. The amount can change as the benefit account grows or the fiduciary’s duties change. Confirm the required amount and obligee with the VA fiduciary program.

Instant issue up to $50,000. With acceptable credit, instant issue is available above $50,000 up to $300,000. Underwriting review is required over $300,000. VA-specific forms or account changes may require additional review.

Bond amount is not the premium. The required amount is the maximum the surety could pay under the bond. The premium you pay is a separate charge based on the bond amount, the risk, the term, and your credit. The online application shows the premium before you bind coverage.

How much does a VA Legal Custodian Bond cost?

Premium depends on the bond amount, the expected duration of the fiduciary appointment, and the applicant’s credit. VA custodian bonds are typically inexpensive relative to the funds under management. Apply online for the current premium and the required form.

How to apply online

  1. Confirm the bond amount and obligee. Use the amount and legal name of the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires the bond. The obligee name must match the requiring party’s records.
  2. Gather the application information. Have the legal business or entity name, address, license or case number, ownership information, and the required bond amount ready.
  3. Start the CNA Surety application. Use the online application link on this page. The link includes the M. BURR KEIM AGENCY app code and agency code, so the application is routed to our agency.
  4. Pay the premium and bind coverage. If the bond is eligible for instant issue, the application will show the premium and let you complete the purchase online. Otherwise, the surety will review the application and contact you if additional information is needed.
  5. File the bond. Provide the issued bond to the agency, court, client, or government entity that requires it, and keep a copy for your records.
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VA Legal Custodian Bond term and renewal

The bond usually remains in force until the VA fiduciary appointment ends and the VA releases the bond. The VA may require periodic renewal or a new bond as the account changes. Follow the VA’s instructions for maintaining the bond.

Good to know

  • The VA may require a specific bond form or a bond that names the VA as obligee. Confirm the form before applying.
  • Have the veteran or beneficiary name, VA file number, fiduciary appointment information, and the required bond amount ready before applying.

VA Legal Custodian Bond questions

Online application and important note

Bond requirements, forms, amounts, and fees are set by the requiring agency, court, or carrier and can change. This page is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the current requirement with the agency, court, client, or your attorney before applying. M. BURR KEIM AGENCY is an insurance and surety bond agency; the bond or policy is issued by the carrier named on the document.