Who is referred to as a 'surety' in estate matters?

In estate matters, a 'surety' refers to a third party who provides a guarantee or indemnity to ensure that obligations are fulfilled, particularly concerning the payment of debts or the execution of a fiduciary duty. When a surety is involved, they assume responsibility for a specific obligation if the primary party fails to meet that obligation, offering financial security to creditors or beneficiaries. This role is crucial in estate administration, as it helps protect various interests and ensures that the estate is properly managed.

In contrast, other roles like a judge overseeing a trust, a beneficiary receiving a portion of the estate, or an individual claiming entitlement to a will do not encapsulate the essence of providing a guarantee or indemnity. A judge's role is regulatory and involves oversight, while beneficiaries are vested with rights to receive assets and claims on the estate. An individual claiming entitlement to a will may be seeking a share of the estate but does not assume an obligation to indemnify other parties involved in the estate. Therefore, the definition of 'surety' aligns specifically with the function of providing security for obligations within the estate context.