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Four Things To Know Before Co-Signing For A Bail Bond For A Loved One

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You have a loved one in jail who is asking you to co-sign for a bail bond. Here are four things you should know before agreeing to do so. 

You have the right to terminate the bond agreement. 

If you do end up co-signing for a bail bond, get your loved one out of jail, and then find out that the defendant has no intention of going back to court, you will have the right as a co-signer to revoke the bail bond. You can simply call the bail bond agency and they will help you work through the process of revoking the bail. Keep in mind, however, that is soon as the bail bond is revoked, the individual you signed for can be arrested and returned back to jail. 

You will be expected to get your loved one to court. 

When you sign your name on a bail bond agreement, you are stating with that signature that you will make sure your loved one will adhere to the terms of their bond. This means you will be responsible for making sure the individual returns to court as required. If you do not feel like you can take on that responsibility, it is best not to sign in agreement and allow someone else to take on that responsibility. 

You must read all the included documents before co-signing. 

There will be several documents to go over when you sign as a co-signer on a bail bond, and it is important to not just skim over each one and assume you agree with everything. No one should enter into these types of lending agreements without a full understanding of what their role is in the situation. Even if you are in a hurry to get your loved one out of jail, take the time to read through all the paperwork you are signing. 

You should have some trust in the defendant. 

Do you know the defendant you are signing for well? Do you trust that they wouldn't do anything to cause you more stress? These are really important things to know before you put your name down as a co-signer on a bail bond. By signing, you are guaranteeing that the person in jail will go back to court and that the bail bond loan will be paid as promised.

For more information or to sign for a bail bond, contact a bail bond agency.


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