What type of bond is required by the court to ensure an attorney conducts himself honestly during the distribution of an inheritance?

The requirement for a specific type of bond that ensures an attorney conducts himself honestly during the distribution of an inheritance is referred to as an executor bond, also known as a fiduciary bond. This bond provides a level of security and assurance to the heirs and beneficiaries that the executor, who is often an attorney in such cases, will manage the estate's assets properly and distribute the inheritance as directed by the will or trust, according to the law.

The purpose of the executor bond is to protect the estate and its beneficiaries from potential misconduct or mismanagement by the executor. If the executor fails to fulfill their duties or engages in dishonest acts, the bond can provide a source of compensation for any losses incurred by the beneficiaries.

In contexts like handling estates, other types of bonds, such as a fidelity bond, primarily cover employees against theft or dishonesty but aren’t specifically aimed at estate management. Surety bonds and performance bonds are broader categories that typically cover different types of contractual obligations and constructions but aren’t tailored specifically to the role of an executor managing an estate. Thus, the executor bond is the most relevant in ensuring that the attorney upholds their responsibilities ethically during the probate process.