Court / Judicial
Claimant's Bond
A court bond posted by a third party who claims ownership of property seized under a writ, so the claimant can take the property back while the court decides who owns it.
- Required by
- State trial courts and levying officers (sheriffs and constables)
- Bond amount
- Set by whoever requires the bond. We confirm it.
What this bond guarantees
The bond runs to the plaintiff who had the property seized. It promises the claimant will return the property in the same condition, or pay its value and the value of its use, plus damages and costs, if the court finds the claimant had no right to it. The plaintiff claims on the bond if the claimant loses.
Who needs it
- Owners or lienholders whose property was seized for someone else's debt
- Businesses whose goods were levied on in a lawsuit against another party
What the underwriter looks at
- Value of the property claimed
- Claimant's financial strength
- Strength of the ownership claim
- Collateral, in some cases
Requirements vary by state and by who asks for the bond. Send us the request you received and we will confirm exactly what it calls for.
Common questions
How much is the bond?
It depends on state law. In Texas, the bond must equal double the value of the property claimed.
How is this different from a replevin bond?
A replevin bond is posted by a party suing to recover property. A claimant's bond is posted by an outsider who says property seized in someone else's case belongs to them.