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

The Tennessee supersedeas bond. Stays the execution.

Tennessee supersedeas practice is governed by Tenn. R. App. P. 7 and Tenn. Code §27-1-124. Tennessee caps supersedeas at 125% of judgment or $75M under §27-1-124. We write Tennessee appeal bonds in the Tennessee Court of Appeals, the Tennessee Supreme Court, and the U.S. District Courts (E.D. Tenn., M.D. Tenn., W.D. Tenn.).

Bond Penalty
125% of judgment
Statutory Cap
$75M ceiling
Filing
Trial court clerk
Turnaround
Same-day issuance

What a Tennessee appeal bond actually does.

A Tennessee 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. Tenn. R. App. P. 7 governs the procedure for staying execution by surety bond; Tenn. Code §27-1-124 provides the statutory framework.

Tennessee caps supersedeas at 125% of judgment or $75M under §27-1-124.

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 Tenn. R. App. P. 7 once approved.

The rules we underwrite to.

Two bodies of authority govern Tennessee supersedeas practice: Tenn. R. App. P. 7 for the procedural framework, and Tenn. Code §27-1-124 for the substantive bond requirements. We underwrite each bond to satisfy both.

Controlling Authorities
Tenn.
Tenn. R. App. P. 7 — Tennessee rule on supersedeas / stay pending appeal
Tenn.
Tenn. Code §27-1-124 — Tennessee statutory framework for appeal bonds
FRCP
FRCP 62 — Federal stay procedure (for U.S. District Court appeals from Tennessee)
FRAP
FRAP 7 — Federal cost bond on appeal (applicable to federal appeals from Tennessee)

How a Tennessee appeal bond gets issued.

Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.

Tennessee-specific questions.

What's the bond formula for Tennessee supersedeas?
125% of judgment. Tennessee caps supersedeas at 125% of judgment or $75M under §27-1-124.
Where do I file in Tennessee?
With the trial court clerk in the county where the judgment was entered. Per Tenn. R. App. P. 7, the trial court has initial jurisdiction over bond approval; appellate review of the bond decision is available where state procedure permits.
Does Tennessee have an automatic stay on appeal?
Most states require a posted supersedeas bond to stay execution; Tennessee 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 Tennessee appeal process take?
Civil appeals to the Tennessee Court of Appeals typically take 9-18 months from notice of appeal to disposition. Cases proceeding to the Tennessee 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 Tennessee's in forma pauperis rule.
Are Tennessee supersedeas bonds different from federal appeal bonds?
Yes. Federal appeals from the U.S. District Courts in Tennessee are governed by FRCP 62 and FRAP 7 — not Tennessee state rules. The bond amounts, caps, and procedures differ. We write under both regimes.

Related supersedeas practice.

Further reading on the Surety One blog

↗ suretyone.com/blog

Need a Tennessee appeal bond?

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