If you have been asked to go through a bail bond services in order to help a friend or loved one get out of jail until their court date, you might feel the need to do so. However, before you start signing legal documents and contracts at a bail bond company, you will want to know just what it is that you are getting yourself into. This way, nothing will come as a surprise down the road when you are simply trying to help out someone in need. Here are some of the things you need to expect.

There Will Be A Lot Of Paperwork

This is a legal obligation that you are signing up for when you go to a bail bondsman for help. You will want to make sure that you are thoroughly reading through all of the documents that you are asked to sign. If you are having any trouble understanding any of it, do not be afraid to ask the bondsman to explain it to you in a way that is easier for you to understand.

You May Need To Give Them Some Collateral

This means collateral that is your personal property, not the property of the person that is being bailed out of jail. This is because you are the person asking for the help. You are the one responsible for the money should your friend or family member not hold up to their end of the agreement that was put in place when they were allowed to leave the jail. 

An example of the collateral that is commonly accepted is the deed to your home, as long as there are no other lien holders in place. Sometimes, if you have a vehicle that is free and clear of liens and the bail that you are requesting is not really large, you might be able to give the title for that as the collateral.

You Will Be In Contact With The Bail Bondman For A While

You will not be done communicating with the bail bondsman just because the paperwork is done, and your friend or family has been released from the jail. He or she may keep in touch with you to make sure that you have not suddenly relocated, and they may reach out to you should they have trouble finding the person the is due to appear in court. For example, if a court date is missed and they cannot find the person that they help get bailed out of jail, they might start calling you or knocking on your door.

Now that you have a better understanding of what you will be signing up for when you go for a bond, you can make an appointment with a bondsman to get the process started. For more information, contact a company like Christine’s Bail Bonds.