Legal Definitions - Surety bond

A surety bond is a type of security deposit that a party posts to guarantee their performance when they owe legal duties to others. It is like a promise that the party will do something, and if they fail to do so, the obligee (the person they owe obligations to) is compensated out of the bond.

For example, when someone becomes a guardian, they may be required to post a surety bond before taking responsibility for their wards. This bond ensures that the guardian will fulfill their duties and protect the interests of their wards. Similarly, a company making a large purchase from a foreign supplier might require the supplier to post a surety bond to ensure that the supplier will deliver the goods as promised.

Surety bonds are most commonly used in fiduciary relationships and international, large, or complex transactions. They provide a way to protect the interests of the parties involved and ensure that everyone fulfills their obligations.