How do I collect on a defaulted promissory note?

Asked by: Hubert Swift  |  Last update: November 20, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (65 votes)

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.

What to do if someone defaults on a promissory note?

Thanks. In that case, the holder of the note has a couple of options. One, is to foreclose on the deed of trust and then sue the borrower/agent for any deficiency. Two, the other would be simply to sue on the note itself.

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.

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 to do if a promissory note is not paid?

If someone fails to pay a promissory note on time, the first step is to obtain a judgment against the person for the total amount owed. To do this, you will need to file a lawsuit in either Small Claims Court or Superior Court (in California the maximum recovery in small claims is $5000).

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

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How to collect on a default 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 go to jail for not paying a 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.

Will 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 a promissory note go to collections?

An unsecured promissory note doesn't involve collateral. In this case, if the borrower doesn't repay the loan, the lender can try to use standard debt-collection procedures.

Is there a statute of limitations on a promissory note?

The statute of limitations for an action to enforce a negotiable promissory note is 6 years after the note's due date. If the holder accelerates the due date, the statute of limitations is 6 years after the accelerated due date. Com C §3118(a).

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.

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.

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.

What does defaulted on this promissory note mean?

Default is failure to repay a loan according to the terms agreed to in the promissory note. For most federal student loans, you will default if you have not made a payment in more than 270 days. You may experience serious legal consequences if you default.

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.

Can a promissory note be forgiven?

Dealing with Forgiveness: If a promissory note is forgiven, the forgiven amount might be considered income to the borrower and can be reported using IRS Form 1098. Transfer or Sale: Any gain realized from the sale or transfer of a promissory note must be reported as a capital gain or loss.

What happens if I default on a promissory note?

If a borrower defaults on a loan, the lender may pursue legal action to collect the remaining loan balance. The promissory note will typically outline the actions the lender may take in the event of a default, such as hiring a collection agency or filing a lawsuit.

How can I collect on a promissory note?

Collecting on an unsecured promissory note through the courts is a two-step process. First, you need to go through the court process to obtain a judgment against the borrower. Then you need to try to attach the borrower's wages, bank accounts, or other assets in order actually get paid.

Can a bill be sent to collections if payments are being made?

Medical Bills Can Go to Collections Even If You're Paying

Same with those who aren't paying on time.

Can you go to jail for a promissory note?

Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.

What happens if you can't pay a promissory note?

Depending on state laws and regulations, creditors may be able to garnish wages or seize assets to repay the debt owed under a promissory note. Creditors must typically receive permission from a court before attempting either method.

What makes a promissory note unenforceable?

Unreasonable terms can invalidate a promissory note. The court determines what's unreasonable, so there's no hard and fast rule. You can avoid it by charging market rate interest and giving the borrower enough time to make a repayment.

How long before a debt becomes uncollectible?

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.

What debt can you go to jail for?

You cannot be arrested or go to jail simply for having unpaid debt. In rare cases, if a debt collector sues you to collect on a debt and you don't respond or appear in court, that could lead to arrest. The risk of arrest is higher, however, if you fail to pay taxes or child support.

How do I sue a promissory note?

If timely payment is not made by the borrower, the note holder can file an action to recover payment. Depending upon the amount owed and/or specified in the note, a summons and complaint may be filed with the court or a motion in lieu of complaint may be filed for an expedited judgment.