New Rates for Court Bonds

Effective January 1, 2025, The Bar Plan’s Court Bond Program offered through LMICK has made the following rate/rule changes:

1. Notary bond rate will increase from $35.00 for the term to $50.00.
2. Minimum premium for all bonds except Notary Bonds will be increasing from $100.00 to $150.00.
3. All bonds will be renewed for a premium except bonds at the $1,000 level and term bonds, such as Notary bonds and Small Estate Bonds.
4. The Bar Plan has shortened the grace period from 60 days to 15 days. This grace period applies to paying the renewal premium before it is considered past due. In addition, the estate must be closed within 15 days of the renewal date for The Bar Plan to waive the renewal premium.
5. With regards to Civil Court Bonds (Appeal, Replevin, etc.), The Bar Plan will be increasing the amount of extra collateral that it collects to cover unexpected costs such as litigation costs, unpaid premiums, etc.
6. The Bar Plan has made some minor revisions with their applications. The Bar Plan has deleted some fields that were never used and added a statement that The Bar Plan has a right to send the principal/applicant to a collection agency if payment for the bond is not received.

If you have any questions about the new changes, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of The Bar Plan Mutual Insurance Company or call 877-553-6376.

As a reminder you can apply for Bonds via the site Lawyers Mutual Insurance Agency, LLC | Bond Page.

New Year’s Resolution-Make Time for Your 30-Minute Checkup!

Start the new year off right by doing your 30-Minute Malpractice Checkup. By using this tool and taking the test, you will gain a better understanding of some of the pitfalls that attorneys can fall into and discover what actions may need to be taken for a healthier practice for the new year and beyond. LMICK also offers an On-Demand CLE, “It’s Time for Your Annual Check-Up”, for its policyholders. This session discusses issues related to communication (SCR 3.130(1.4)), fees (SCR 3.130(1.5, 1.15)), supervision (SCR 3.130(5.1-5.3)), and conflicts (SCR 3.30(1.7-1.11, 1.13). Remember to keep both yourself and your firm healthy!