Federally authorized surety in every U.S. court — state, federal, admiralty, administrative
MGA for Federally Authorized Surety Companies — Indiana Practice

The Indiana supersedeas bond. Stays the execution.

Indiana supersedeas practice is governed by Ind. App. R. 18 and Ind. Code §34-49-3-1. Indiana Appellate Rule 18 governs supersedeas bonds; no statutory cap. We write Indiana appeal bonds in the Indiana Court of Appeals, the Indiana Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Courts (N.D. Ind., S.D. Ind.).

Bond Penalty
Judgment + interest + costs
Statutory Cap
No statutory cap
Filing
Trial court clerk
Turnaround
Same-day issuance

What a Indiana appeal bond actually does.

A Indiana judgment carries immediate collection consequences. Without a supersedeas bond, the prevailing party can begin enforcement the day the judgment is entered — garnishments, abstracts of judgment, executions on personal property. Ind. App. R. 18 governs the procedure for staying execution by surety bond; Ind. Code §34-49-3-1 provides the statutory framework.

Indiana Appellate Rule 18 governs supersedeas bonds; no statutory cap.

The bond is the three-party agreement standard to all surety practice: the appellant as principal, the appellee as obligee, and Surety One as the surety standing behind the promise with real capital. Filing is with the trial court clerk that entered the judgment; the bond stays execution by operation of Ind. App. R. 18 once approved.

The rules we underwrite to.

Two bodies of authority govern Indiana supersedeas practice: Ind. App. R. 18 for the procedural framework, and Ind. Code §34-49-3-1 for the substantive bond requirements. We underwrite each bond to satisfy both.

Controlling Authorities
Ind.
Ind. App. R. 18 — Indiana rule on supersedeas / stay pending appeal
Ind.
Ind. Code §34-49-3-1 — Indiana statutory framework for appeal bonds
FRCP
FRCP 62 — Federal stay procedure (for U.S. District Court appeals from Indiana)
FRAP
FRAP 7 — Federal cost bond on appeal (applicable to federal appeals from Indiana)

How a Indiana appeal bond gets issued.

Indiana supersedeas bonds are collateral-typical. Full collateral equal to the bond amount is the standard requirement, accepted in three forms: cash held in escrow by Surety One, an irrevocable letter of credit from a federally insured bank, or U.S. Treasury securities pledged with an CUSIP custody arrangement. We do not accept real estate as collateral.

Non-collateralized Indiana supersedeas bonds are available through our non-standard program for applicants with substantial unencumbered net worth and strong liquid position. Audited financials, three years of tax returns, personal financial statements for principals, and confirmation of no pending claims are required for non-collateralized placement.

Filing is with the trial court clerk in the county where the judgment was entered. We deliver bonds in PDF for same-day filing; most Indiana courts accept e-filed bonds through their statewide e-filing systems.

Three documents start every file: the final judgment, the notice of appeal, and a financial statement appropriate to the bond size. Our underwriting desk responds within four business hours; same-day issuance is standard for qualified, collateralized files.

Indiana-specific questions.

What's the bond formula for Indiana supersedeas?
Judgment + interest + costs. Indiana Appellate Rule 18 governs supersedeas bonds; no statutory cap.
Where do I file in Indiana?
With the trial court clerk in the county where the judgment was entered. Per Ind. App. R. 18, the trial court has initial jurisdiction over bond approval; appellate review of the bond decision is available where state procedure permits.
Does Indiana have an automatic stay on appeal?
Most states require a posted supersedeas bond to stay execution; Indiana follows that pattern unless the appellant qualifies for a statutory exemption. Without the bond, the judgment creditor can begin enforcement immediately after entry.
How long does the Indiana appeal process take?
Civil appeals to the Indiana Court of Appeals typically take 9-18 months from notice of appeal to disposition. Cases proceeding to the Indiana Supreme Court may run longer. The bond premium renews annually for the duration of the appeal.
Can I appeal without posting a supersedeas bond?
Yes. The notice of appeal can be filed without a bond, but execution is not stayed. The judgment creditor can begin collection immediately. Indigent appellants may seek relief under Indiana's in forma pauperis rule.
Are Indiana supersedeas bonds different from federal appeal bonds?
Yes. Federal appeals from the U.S. District Courts in Indiana are governed by FRCP 62 and FRAP 7 — not Indiana state rules. The bond amounts, caps, and procedures differ. We write under both regimes.

Related supersedeas practice.

In Indiana
Other bonds in this state.
Indiana Mechanic's Lien Release Indiana Probate
Neighboring states
Adjacent supersedeas practice.
Illinois Kentucky Michigan Ohio

Further reading on the Surety One blog

↗ suretyone.com/blog

Need a Indiana appeal bond?

Send the judgment and notice of appeal. Our underwriters open the file and respond immediately, 7/52/365.