How bond agencies and the approved bondsmen list work in Van Buren County
Trying to arrange a surety bond in Van Buren County? The courts work from an approved bondsmen list that's refreshed on a set schedule. Here's how that list is maintained, what bonding agencies need to submit for approval, and where you can find the current version.
Van Buren County updates its bondsmen list quarterly. This matters if you're checking whether a bond agency is currently recognized by the court - or if someone tells you a company is "waiting to be added" or "needs to renew" before writing surety bonds in the county.
The list is approved by the chief judge on a predictable timeline: the 1st of January, April, July, and October each year. In practice, that means changes and approvals are tied to those dates, since the county is working from a court-approved list rather than an informal set of names.
Documentation Required
- ✓ Bonding Agency Application and Affidavit (form VBC-0030)
- ✓ Copy of the insurance company’s Power of Attorney (with seal) authorizing the company’s agents to post bonds in the company’s name
Want to act as surety on insurance-backed bonds? You can't just sign up at the jail. Contact the trial court administrator (or their designee) to get an application packet, then submit it to the court for consideration.
When the bondsmen list changes, the trial court administrator (or designee) sends the updated version to several offices: Michigan State Police – Paw Paw Post, the Van Buren County Sheriff's Department, the Van Buren County Clerk, and court administrators at all Van Buren County court locations. This keeps everyone on the same page about who's currently authorized.
Tip: If you’re trying to find out who can post a surety bond right now, ask the jail which bondsmen are currently authorized. For application packets or court submission instructions, contact the trial court administrator (or designee).
- Confirm the bondsman is currently authorized - Because the list is updated quarterly and circulated when modified, start by checking with the jail (or a listed recipient office) to make sure the bond agency you’re calling is on the current approved list.
- Use the trial court administrator for “how do I get approved?” questions - If you’re dealing with someone trying to act as surety on an insurance-backed bond, the trial court administrator (or designee) is the point of contact for the application packet and what must be submitted to the court.
- Keep the quarterly schedule in mind - The bondsmen list is updated quarterly, so if someone says they’re pending approval, timing may depend on the next quarterly review/approval cycle.
Find an Inmate at Van Buren County Jail, MI
Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.
