How Van Buren County Handles Bail and the Approved Bondsmen List

Van Buren County's court is specific about what bonds it accepts. Only bonds backed by an insurance company qualify - which is why the approved bondsmen list features insurance-backed agencies exclusively. If someone tells you a different type of bond will work, stop and check the court's requirements before paying anything.

Van Buren County keeps an approved bondsmen list that's easy to find. State law requires a typewritten or printed list, arranged alphabetically, posted somewhere visible at detention facilities - and the county follows this. Since only insurance-backed agencies can get approved, the posted list doubles as a quick way to verify whether a bondsman is court-recognized.

1. Look for the posted list in a conspicuous area - the approved bondsmen list is intended to be visible where people can access it.
2. Use the list to confirm the bondsman is approved - the list is compiled and distributed through the trial court administrator (or designee).

This isn't an informal list passed around by word of mouth. The chief judge approves it quarterly - by the 1st of January, April, July, and October. The trial court administrator (or designee) handles compiling, maintaining, and distributing the list.

• ✓ Renew bond agency and bond agent applications annually, with submissions due to the court by December 15 each year.
• ✓ Complete quarterly approval by the chief judge by the 1st of January, April, July, and October.
• ✓ Compile, maintain, and distribute the approved bondsmen list through the trial court administrator (or designee).

Bonding agencies seeking approval in Van Buren County start with the trial court administrator (or designee). Anyone wanting to become a surety on insurance-backed bonds must contact that office for a submission packet. The required paperwork includes a Bonding Agency Application and Affidavit (form VBC-0030), submitted to the trial court administrator (or designee).

• ✓ Proof the bond is insurance-backed (the court only accepts applications where bonds are backed by an insurance company).
• ✓ Bonding Agency Application and Affidavit (form VBC-0030), submitted to the trial court administrator (or designee).
• ✓ A copy of the agency’s license.
• ✓ Verification of “Active” status from the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) website.

Bail decisions move fast, and you may feel pressured - especially when people start calling or texting with offers to help. Here's your anchor: there's an official approved bondsmen list, managed through the trial court administrator (or designee). Stick to that list and that office, and you'll cut through most of the confusion.

• ✓ Ask to see the posted, alphabetized approved bondsmen list in a conspicuous location.
• ✓ Confirm the bondsman/agency you’re considering is on the approved list (only insurance-backed agencies/agents appear on it).
• ✓ If a bonding agency says they’re trying to get approved, tell them to contact the trial court administrator (or designee) to request the submission packet.