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APPEAL BOND
American Surety Bonds Agency helps appellants, judgment debtors, and their attorneys secure appeal bonds for civil appeals nationwide. Because requirements vary by court, jurisdiction, and the specific judgment being appealed, our underwriting team reviews your court order and case details before determining your bond amount and next steps.
What Is an Appeal Bond?
An appeal bond is a court bond that may be required in connection with a civil appeal. Depending on the court’s requirement, the bond may guarantee payment of appeal-related costs or support a request to pause enforcement of a judgment while the appeal is pending.
This bond does not guarantee that the appeal will succeed. It guarantees the obligation stated in the bond form, applicable rule, or court order.
As Known As
This bond goes by several names depending on the court or jurisdiction. You may also see it called:
- Supersedeas Bond
- Bond on Appeal
- Cost Bond
- Stay Bond
- Bond for Costs on Appeal
These generally refer to the same category of court bond described on this page — see the comparison below for how “appeal bond” and “supersedeas bond” are sometimes distinguished.
Appeal Bond vs. Supersedeas Bond
Appeal Bond
In many jurisdictions, “appeal bond” is used broadly to describe any bond required to pursue an appeal, including one that guarantees payment of appeal costs.
Supersedeas Bond
Where courts distinguish the two, a supersedeas bond specifically stays (pauses) enforcement of the judgment being appealed, guaranteeing payment of the judgment, costs, and interest if the appeal is unsuccessful. Ask your attorney or check your court order to confirm which type your case requires.
When Is an Appeal Bond Required?
A court may require an appeal bond under an applicable rule or a specific order. The required bond form and amount depend on the jurisdiction, the judgment, and the purpose of the bond.
This bond may serve several purposes, including:
- Securing allowable costs associated with an appeal
- Seeking a stay of enforcement of a money judgment while the appeal proceeds
- Protecting the appellee or judgment creditor as required by the court
- Meeting a bond requirement stated in an applicable rule, statute, or court order
Your attorney can advise you about the legal and procedural requirements in your case. American Surety Bonds Agency assists with the bond application and underwriting process.
How Appeal Bond Amounts Vary by State
| State | Appeal/Supersedeas Bond Rule | Citation |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | Court sets the amount to cover judgment, costs, interest, and delay damages — capped at $25 million | O.C.G.A. § 5-6-46(b) |
| Alabama | 150% of the judgment if $10,000 or less; 125% if over $10,000 (court sets additional amount for non-money relief) | Ala. R. App. P. 8(a)(1)(A) |
| Florida | Capped at $50 million per appellant regardless of judgment size (adjusted annually for CPI); court may reduce for good cause | Fla. Stat. § 45.045 |
| Texas | Lesser of 50% of the judgment debtor’s net worth or $25 million | Tex. Civ. Prac. & Rem. Code § 52.006(b) |
| North Carolina | Court-determined “proper and reasonable” amount; capped at $25 million for judgments of $25 million or more absent evidence of asset dissipation | N.C. Gen. Stat. § 1-289(a2), (b) |
| North Dakota | Set by the court — no fixed formula or cap | N.D.R.App.P. 8(a)(2)(E) |
| Utah | Set by the court — no fixed formula or cap | Utah R. App. P. 8 |
| Michigan | At least 110% of the judgment (including costs, interest, attorney fees); court may adjust for good cause | MCR 7.209(A)-(B) |
What Do I Need to Apply for an Appeal Bond?
Appeal bonds are underwritten individually. Depending on the obligation, the underwriter may request:
- A completed court bond application
- The judgment, order, or rule establishing the bond requirement
- The notice of appeal and relevant case documents
- The required bond form, if supplied by the court or attorney
- The bond amount and filing deadline
- Personal or business financial statements and supporting documents, if applicable
- Information about available collateral, if required by the surety
- Attorney contact information for coordination of the bond form and filing requirements
After reviewing the application, the underwriter may request supporting financial or case documents. The surety will advise if any additional underwriting requirements apply.
How Much Does an Appeal Bond Cost?
Appeal bond premiums are individually underwritten — there’s no standard rate, since the bond amount, judgment type, and applicant’s financial profile all vary case by case. At American Surety Bonds Agency, we work with a wide array of markets — from preferred clients to non-traditional clients and everyone in between — to help find the right rate for your appeal bond.
How Do I Apply for an Appeal Bond?
- Complete the online application for the Appeal Bond.
- Our underwriting team reviews your court order, case documents, and financial information.
- Once approved, review your rate and finalize your bond.
- Receive your completed appeal bond to file with the court.
Appeal Bond Assistance for Attorneys
American Surety Bonds Agency works directly with attorneys on behalf of their clients to move appeal bonds through underwriting quickly. Send us the court order and case documents, and our team will work with you and your client to determine the bond amount, required documentation, and next steps.
Why Choose American Surety Bonds Agency?
American Surety Bonds Agency has been helping appellants, judgment debtors, and their attorneys meet court bond requirements for decades. Whether you’re facing a tight court deadline or need help understanding your court order, our experienced team is here to make the process simple and efficient.
When you choose American Surety Bonds Agency, you’ll receive:
- Experienced surety bond professionals
- Competitive rates from leading surety companies
- Fast underwriting and responsive customer service
- A secure online application process
- Direct assistance for attorneys working on behalf of clients
Above all, we’re committed to helping you meet your court’s bond requirement quickly and correctly, with experienced guidance every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Do all appeals require a bond? | No. Not every appeal requires an appeal or supersedeas bond — it depends on whether you’re asking the court to stay enforcement of a judgment while your appeal is pending, and on that specific court’s requirement. Check your court order or ask your attorney whether a bond applies to your case. |
| What does this bond cost? | Cost depends on the bond amount the court sets, the type of judgment, and your credit history, business experience, and net worth. Because requirements vary so much by case, we don’t publish a flat rate — contact American Surety Bonds Agency for your specific rate. |
| Who needs this bond? | Appellants and judgment debtors who want to stay enforcement of a civil judgment while they appeal, when the court requires security as a condition of that stay. |
| Can I get this bond instantly online? | No. Appeal bonds require individualized underwriting based on your case and financial information — this bond isn’t available through our Instant Issue program. Complete our secure online application and our team will guide you through the process. |
| Is an appeal bond the same as a supersedeas bond? | The terms are often used interchangeably, and in many jurisdictions they refer to the same bond. Some courts and statutes distinguish between them — see “Appeal Bond vs. Supersedeas Bond” above for how each is typically used. |
| What does the bond guarantee? | This bond guarantees the specific obligation stated in the bond form, applicable court rule, or court order — commonly payment of the judgment, costs, and interest if the appeal is unsuccessful. It does not guarantee the outcome of the appeal itself. |
Who Can I Contact for More Information?
Contact American Surety Bonds Agency toll-free at (877) 201-8976 or our Atlanta office at (404) 486-2355. Our team can answer questions about your specific court order and walk you through the application process.