Legal Definitions - writ of supersedeas

A writ of supersedeas is a legal document that suspends a judgment creditor's power to collect money or property from a debtor, usually while an appeal is pending. It can also refer to a bond that is posted to guarantee payment if the appeal is unsuccessful.

• John owes $10,000 to a creditor who has obtained a judgment against him. John files an appeal and posts a writ of supersedeas, which prevents the creditor from collecting the money until the appeal is resolved.
• Mary wants to appeal a court decision that awarded her ex-husband custody of their children. She must post a supersedeas bond to prevent her ex-husband from taking custody of the children while the appeal is pending.

These examples illustrate how a writ of supersedeas can be used to temporarily stop a judgment from being enforced while a legal challenge is underway. This can provide relief to a debtor who might otherwise suffer irreparable harm if the judgment were enforced before the appeal is resolved.