Can you sue on a promissory note?

Asked by: Marilou Smitham  |  Last update: February 4, 2026
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Assuming these prove unfruitful, a lawsuit for breach of a promissory note can be filed in the proper jurisdiction. Seldom are complaints on notes litigated, but in some cases the filing of the lawsuit may provide the impetus for a settlement. In most situations, however, a default judgment is obtained.

Does a promissory note hold up in court?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.

What happens if someone doesn't pay on a promissory note?

If the borrower does not repay you, your legal recourse could include repossessing any collateral the borrower put up against the note, sending the debt to a collection agency, selling the promissory note (so someone else can try to collect it), or filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

Can you sue someone over a promissory note?

In general, however, the first step to enforcing the note is to send a demand letter to the borrower. If no response to the demand is received, a collections lawyer can subsequently file a complaint with the court. Depending on the amount owed, a lawsuit may be filed in the Special Civil Part or Law Division.

How do you get money owed on a promissory note?

You must make a first attempt to contact the borrower through a written note requesting repayment. The letter should include a copy of the promissory note with a statement of the amount due. If this letter is ignored, you will need to move on to the next step.

Business Law Breakdown: Enforcing Promissory Notes and Mortgages After Limitations Expire

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Can you go to jail for not paying promissory note?

A long time ago, it was legal for people to go to jail over unpaid debts. Fortunately, debtors' prisons were outlawed by Congress in 1833. As a result, you can't go to jail for owing unpaid debts anymore.

How do you legally enforce a promissory note?

How to Enforce a Promissory Note (5 Steps)
  1. Step 1: Inform Borrower. Start by arranging a meeting with the borrower via traceable means such as email or chat apps to discuss the debt repayment. ...
  2. Step 2: Enlist Collection Agency. ...
  3. Step 3: Collect Evidence. ...
  4. Step 4: File a Lawsuit. ...
  5. Step 5: Get Legal Remedies.

What voids a promissory note?

A promissory note could become invalid if: It isn't signed by both parties. The note violates laws. One party tries to change the terms of the agreement without notifying the other party.

Who is primarily liable on a promissory note?

It is the maker who is primarily liable on a promissory note. The issuer of a note or the maker is one of the parties who, by means of a written promise, pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on demand or at a specified future date.

What happens if the maker of a promissory note fails to pay?

If the maker fails to pay according to the terms of the promissory note, the holder can foreclose on the property that secured the note, thereby recovering the unpaid principal of the note, interest, fees and expenses. An unsecured promissory note is one that is not secured by any collateral.

Is a notarized promissory note legally binding?

You can typically sign a legally binding promissory note that contains unconditional pledges to pay a certain sum of money. However, you can strengthen the legality of a valid promissory note by having it notarized. It never hurts to add a layer of protection as you may have to use it in court.

Is there a time limit on a promissory note?

Promissory notes have a statute of limitations. Depending on which U.S. state you live in, a written loan agreement may expire 3–15 years after creation. For example, Florida's statute of limitations on promissory notes is five years.

What to do if someone defaults on a promissory note?

If you cannot collect payment from the borrower, you can hire a collection agency or file a lawsuit. You can take them to small claims court if you're having difficulty collecting payment.

What are the disadvantages of a promissory note?

Disadvantages include:
  • An unsecured note will typically have greater risk than many other investments.
  • If the borrower fails to pay, you will need to file a lawsuit to collect. Collecting on an unsecured promissory note is a two-step process. ...
  • Selling an unsecured promissory note is not as easy as selling a secured note.

How legit is a promissory note?

Promissory notes can be appropriate investments for many investors. But, promissory notes that are sold broadly to individual investors are often scams. What you can do to avoid promissory note fraud: Typically, promissory notes are securities.

How do I get out of a promissory note?

To end an agreement made through a promissory note after the borrower has paid back the loan, you can use a release of promissory note form. It marks the deal as completed and helps tie up any loose ends.

What are the rules for promissory note?

The note must clearly mention only the promise of making the repayment and no other conditions. After issuance, a Promissory Note must be stamped according to the regulations of the Indian Stamp Act.

Who is the owner of a promissory note?

Typically, there are two parties to a promissory note: The promisor, also called the note's maker or issuer, promises to repay the amount borrowed. The promisee or payee is the person who gave the loan.

What is a legal agreement to pay back money?

A repayment agreement is a legally binding contract between two parties, outlining the terms and conditions for the repayment of a loan or debt. This type of agreement specifies the amount borrowed, the interest rate (if any), the repayment schedule, and any other relevant terms.

Can you go to jail for a promissory note?

In some circumstances, however, a promissory note is fraudulent and a promissory note scam is operated in order to improperly obtain investor funds. Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.

Can I sue with a promissory note?

If the debtor fails to pay the debt specified in the promissory note, no other evidence of a breach of contract is necessary to enforce that debt. To enforce a promissory note, you will likely need to: sue the debtor of the note. get a judgment from the court.

Can you fight a promissory note?

There are summary proceedings you can use to win a judgment if you have a valid promissory note and your client does not pay as per the agreed-upon terms. A promissory note is breached when payment due, or properly demanded as per the terms of the note, is not received.

Can a promissory note hold up in court?

Promissory notes are legally binding contracts that can hold up in court if the terms of borrowing and repayment are signed and follow applicable laws.

Can you sue for promissory estoppel?

A plaintiff bringing a breach of contract claim may plead promissory estoppel in the alternative, along with other equitable claims. Court Opinions. That way, if the court finds no valid contract existed, a plaintiff can still recover under promissory estoppel if the required elements are met.

Who is the primarily liable on a promissory note?

It is the maker who is primarily liable on a promissory note. The issuer of a note or the maker is one of the parties who, by means of a written promise, pay another party (the note's payee) a definite sum of money, either on-demand or at a specified future date.