Cosigners and collateral

What collateral is paying for

A company may require security such as money, property or another acceptable asset under its agreement. That security is different from the fee charged for arranging the surety bond and from property pledged directly to the Sheriff. Fulton’s bond guidance describes professional surety and direct property as separate routes. Ask the company what it accepts, how it values the asset, who holds it and what event permits its use. Get the actual security requirement in writing; a generic collateral percentage does not establish the company’s terms.

Source: Fulton Sheriff bond information

Read the responsibility you are accepting

Ask the company to identify every clause that makes you responsible for unpaid compensation, the bond amount, actual recovery expenses or loss after a missed appearance. Ask which events trigger collection and what notices you receive. Ask for the legal and contractual basis of every amount in addition to the regulated compensation. Take unclear or unusually broad terms to your own lawyer before signing; do not rely on a verbal promise that signing is only a reference.

Source: Georgia Code 17-6-30, public statute text · Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act

Documents and a missing cosigner

Requirements belong to the actual company. Ask about minimum age, residence, identification, income verification, asset ownership, remote signatures and every person who must sign. Get the company’s own checklist before committing funds. Ask it to confirm whether it can proceed without a cosigner or collateral; acceptance is not guaranteed. If one company declines, ask what lawful alternative security it would consider and compare the jail’s direct cash or qualifying property route. A different route still must satisfy the court’s order.

Source: Fulton Sheriff bond information · Georgia HB 1131, signed 2026 act

Record every pledged asset and its return terms

Obtain a receipt identifying each asset, owner, agreed value, where it is held, permitted deductions, release conditions and the process for return. For property or a title, identify the lien or transfer document and who must record its cancellation. Ask what disposition proof is required, when a written release will be issued and who receives the asset. Require the actual return term in writing instead of assuming a fixed number of days. Keep proof of return and a recorded cancellation when applicable.

Source: Fulton Sheriff bond information

If you want to stop being a cosigner

Tell the company in writing and ask for the contract process and consequences before acting. A written cosigner request for release is one of the statutory reasons for which a surety may surrender the defendant before disposition without the compensation return otherwise required by 17-6-54(a). Your request can therefore have consequences for the person’s custody and fee. It does not by itself prove your agreement, a lien or every financial obligation has ended. Ask counsel about disputed liability and get written confirmation of any release.

Source: Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act

Sources for this guide

1. Fulton Sheriff bond information
2. Georgia Code 17-6-30, public statute text
3. Georgia SB 63, signed 2024 act
4. Georgia HB 1131, signed 2026 act

Sources checked 2026-09-16. Follow the current order and the official instructions for the case.