Appeal Bonds (Supersedeas & Appellate Bonds)
Appeal bonds stop judgment collection while you appeal. This surety bond — also called a supersedeas bond — is often set at 100%-150% of the judgment amount, depending on the court. Premiums start at 1% annually. Our appellate bond specialists work with Treasury-authorized carriers to protect your assets in all court bond jurisdictions nationwide.
- Rush handling for court deadlines
- Treasury-authorized carriers for federal and state courts
- Treasury-listed surety carriers
- Who requires it: The court handling your appeal, under a statute, court rule or its own order.
- Amount: Often about 100%-150% of the judgment, to cover principal, interest and costs while the appeal is pending. Confirm the exact figure with the court.
- Typical cost (estimate): about 1%-3% of the bond amount annually. For example, a $1 million judgment requiring a $1.2 million bond costs $12,000-$36,000 per year. The surety sets the final price.
- Timing: We submit complete applications to the carrier promptly; most quotes within one business day.
How to Get a Supersedeas Bond: Our Expert Appeal Bond Process
Appeal bonds provide immediate protection from judgment collection while you pursue your appeal - preventing asset seizure, wage garnishment, and property liens during the 12-24 month appeals process
Why Time is Critical for Asset Protection
- Immediate Risk: In many states, collection can begin soon after judgment is entered
- No Grace Period: In New York, a money judgment is stayed under CPLR 5519(a)(2) only once an undertaking is given
- Federal Advantage: 30-day automatic stay in federal courts per FRCP Rule 62 guidelines
- Permanent Loss Risk: Assets seized during appeal may be difficult to recover
Our Specialized Process
What Is a Supersedeas Bond?
A supersedeas bond is a court-required surety bond that an appellant posts to stay enforcement of a judgment while the appeal is pending. "Appeal bond" and "appellate bond" are commonly used for the same bond; the name varies by court and state. Bond amounts and typical premiums vary by state as well; our guide to court bond costs in each state lays them out.
An appeal bond (supersedeas bond) is a court-required surety bond that immediately stops judgment collection while you pursue your appeal. The required amount is set by statute, court rule, or the court, and commonly runs about 100%-150% of the judgment to cover the principal amount plus interest and costs that may accrue while the appeal is pending. Confirm the exact figure with the court handling your appeal.
Critical Protection: Without an appeal bond or other stay, judgment creditors can generally levy bank accounts, garnish wages within legal limits, place liens on real estate, and seize personal property through sheriff's sales - even while your appeal is pending.
How Does an Appeal Bond Work?
- 1Judgment is entered. In federal court, execution on the judgment is stayed for 30 days after entry unless the court orders otherwise (FRCP Rule 62(a)). State courts set their own timing, so check your court's rules right away.
- 2You move to stay the judgment and post security. In federal court, a party may obtain a stay at any time after judgment by providing a bond or other security; the stay takes effect when the court approves it and lasts for the time specified in the bond or other security (FRCP Rule 62(b)). In California, perfecting an appeal does not stay a money judgment unless an undertaking is given (CCP § 917.1).
- 3The amount is set by rule, statute, or the court. California sets it at 1.5 times the judgment with an admitted surety insurer, or 2 times with two personal sureties (CCP § 917.1). Texas caps a money-judgment bond at the lesser of 50% of net worth or $25 million (CPRC § 52.006). Florida caps it at $50 million per appellant, adjusted for inflation (Fla. Stat. § 45.045). In federal court, the court approves the bond or other security.
- 4The surety underwrites the bond. The surety reviews your finances and the judgment, may require collateral and a signed indemnity agreement, and, if approved, issues the bond for filing with the court.
- 5The appeal is decided. If the appeal fails, the judgment is paid from the bond and your indemnity obligation to the surety applies, so you repay what the surety pays out. If you win, the bond is released and any collateral is returned.
How Appeal Bond Amounts Are Calculated
Illustrative only. Amounts are set under FRCP Rule 62 and state statutes and appellate rules and vary by jurisdiction — e.g., California 1.5x with an admitted surety (CCP 917.1); Texas caps at lesser of 50% net worth or $25M; Florida caps at $50M per appellant (CPI-adjusted).
Your annual premium is 1-3% of the bond amount — so a $625,000 bond costs roughly $6,250-$18,750/year. See our surety bond cost guide for more details, or use our appeal bond calculator for an estimate.
Who Needs Appeal Bond Protection?
State Appeal Bond Requirements & Timing: Florida, California, Texas
Critical timing by jurisdiction. State guides: Texas supersedeas bonds, California appeal bonds, Florida supersedeas bonds.
Critical Timing by Jurisdiction
| Jurisdiction | Bond Amount | Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
Federal Courts | Set by the court | 30-day automatic stay | Per FRCP Rule 62(a)-(b) - Judicial discretion on amounts |
| New York | Judgment amount (CPLR 5519(a)(2)) | No automatic grace period | Stay attaches when the undertaking is given |
| California | 150% | Varies by court | For admitted sureties |
| Texas | Compensatory + interest + costs | Varies by court | Capped at lesser of 50% net worth or $25M |
| Florida | Judgment + 2x statutory interest | Varies by court | $50M cap per appellant |
| Illinois | Set by the court | Varies by court | Confirm with the court |
Bond Amount Calculations
Common Range: about 100%-150% of the original judgment, depending on the court
- • Principal judgment amount
- • Plus estimated interest during appeal (typically 12-24 months)
- • Plus court costs and potential attorney fees
- • State-specific requirements may vary significantly
Appeal Bond Costs & Collateral
Premium Structure (Non-Refundable Annual Fees)
Premium Range: 1%-3% of bond amount annually
Example: $1 million judgment requiring $1.2 million bond = $12,000-$36,000 annual premium
- • Payment Options: Annual payment (preferred) or quarterly installments
- • No Refunds: Premiums earned regardless of appeal outcome
Collateral Requirements (Sureties Underwrite the Risk the Appeal Fails)
Acceptable Collateral Forms:
What Happens Without Appeal Bond Protection
Immediate collection actions available to judgment creditors
Asset Seizure Powers:
Financial Recovery Challenges
- • Legal costs to reverse collection actions
- • Business disruption from frozen operating accounts
- • Time delays in asset restoration (6-12 months typical)
- • Partial recovery when assets sold during appeal
Benefits of Appeal Bond Protection
Government Resources for Appeal Bonds
Official sources for court requirements and procedures
Treasury-listed surety companies authorized for federal court bonds
Federal court rules and appeal procedures
Frequently Asked Questions About Appeal Bonds
Common questions about appeal bonds and supersedeas bonds
What is an appeal bond and when is it required?
How much does a supersedeas bond cost?
Can I reduce the appeal bond amount required by the court?
What are the amounts for a Florida appeal bond (supersedeas bond) and a California appeal bond?
What collateral is accepted for appeal bonds?
What happens to my appeal bond when the case is resolved?
No Payment Until Your Bond Is Issued
When your assets are on the line, speed matters. Every appeal bond we place is written by a Treasury-listed surety carrier; approval and pricing are determined by the issuing carrier. No payment until your bond is issued · No obligation. Prompt submission on complete applications.
Urgent situation? Talk to an appeal bond specialist now or learn how to get bonded fast.
All content is researched from official state and federal sources (.gov). BuySuretyBonds.com works with Treasury-listed surety carriers.
Need an Appeal Bond for Asset Protection?
Get emergency appeal bond protection. Most bonds quoted within one business day.