Is a promissory note a lien?

Asked by: Pedro Braun  |  Last update: September 24, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (15 votes)

While they are very similar, the unsecured promissory note only represents the borrower's promise to pay the full amount plus interest, while a mortgage puts a lien on the real estate that allows the lender to foreclose on it in the case of nonpayment.

What type of debt is a promissory note?

A promissory note is a form of debt that companies and individuals sometimes use, like loans, to raise money. The issuer, through the notes, promises to return the buyer's funds (principal) and to make fixed interest payments to the buyer in exchange for borrowing the money.

Do promissory notes 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 is the difference between a promissory note and a contract?

Promissory notes are specific to loans and repayment agreements. They outline the borrower's promise to repay a debt, along with the terms and conditions of repayment. Contracts, on the other hand, cover a broader spectrum of agreements and relationships, including sales, services, partnerships, employment, and more.

What happens if you don't pay 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.

The difference between a promissory note and a mortgage lien

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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.

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.

What are the cons of a promissory note?

Cons of a promissory note
  • Limited legal recourse: While a promissory note is a legal document, enforcing repayment can be challenging if the borrower defaults. ...
  • Interest costs: If the promissory note includes interest terms, the borrower will incur additional costs.

Is a promissory note legal tender?

The short answer is US currency is issued by the government and the say it is legal tender, a promissory note has no such legal tender statement by the government. Legal tender is only legal tender because the government says it is.

How do I get out of paying a promissory note?

The debt owed on a promissory note either can be paid off, or the noteholder can forgive the debt even if it has not been fully paid. In either case, a release of promissory note needs to be signed by the noteholder.

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 you 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.

Does a promissory note create a lien?

While they are very similar, the unsecured promissory note only represents the borrower's promise to pay the full amount plus interest, while a mortgage puts a lien on the real estate that allows the lender to foreclose on it in the case of nonpayment.

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.

Does a promissory note need to be notarized?

Promissory notes don't have to be notarized in most cases. 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.

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 the maker of a promissory note fails to pay?

Answer and Explanation: If the promissory note's maker fails to pay the note on the due date, the note is said to be dishonored.

Is a promissory note considered income?

The income generated by a Promissory Note, namely the interest collected on the borrowed amount, is taxable income for IRS purposes. The income is the interest earned by the lender on the Promissory Note for the tax year in question.

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.

How enforceable is a promissory note?

Promissory notes are a valuable legal tool that any individual can use to legally bind another individual to an agreement for purchasing goods or borrowing money. A well-executed promissory note has the full effect of law behind it and is legally binding on both parties.

Does a promissory note go on your record?

The note includes the loan terms, like the interest rate (fixed or adjustable), the late charge amount, the amount of the loan, and the term (number of years). A promissory note isn't recorded in the county land records.

Can you sue someone for promissory note?

An unsecured promissory note does not use collateral. If the borrower defaults on the loan, the lender's only means of enforcement is by filing a lawsuit against the borrower.

Can you foreclose on a promissory note?

Specifically, if you fail to make the payments scheduled in the promissory note, you will default on the loan, and the lender will become entitled to foreclose the note in the manner specified in the deed of trust: namely, the lender can sell your property, use the sale proceeds to pay off the debt owed under the note ...

Is a handwritten promissory note legal?

Promissory notes are quite simple and can be prepared by anyone. They do not need to be prepared by a lawyer or be notarized. It isn't even particularly significant whether a promissory note is handwritten or typed and printed.