What are the obligations of the maker of a promissory note?

Asked by: Tracy Mayert  |  Last update: December 5, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (13 votes)

A promissory note is a formal written agreement in which one party (the maker) promises to pay a specified amount to another party (the payee) either on a specific date or upon demand.

What are the obligations of a promissory note?

The basic provisions of a Promissory Note pertain to the amount owed, the interest to be charged, the due date for payment of both principle and interest, and the security to be offered for the Note, if any.

What is the obligation of the maker of a 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 does the maker of a promissory note do?

In the context of a check or promissory note , a “maker” is the person who signs a check or promissory note, which makes that person responsible for payment.

What is the liability of the maker of a promissory note?

In the absence of a contract to the contrary, the maker of a promissory note and the acceptor before maturity of a bill of exchange are bound to pay the amount thereof at maturity according to the apparent tenor of the note or acceptance respectively, and the acceptor of a bill of exchange at or after maturity is bound ...

Promissory Note | Secured vs. Unsecured Promissory Notes

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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.

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.

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.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

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 is the difference between holder and maker of promissory note?

In fairly simple terms, a promissory note is a financial instrument that contains a written promise by one party (the maker) to pay another party (the holder) a definite sum of money.

Who holds the promissory note while it's being repaid?

Your lender will keep the original promissory note until your loan is paid off.

When the maker of a note dishonors a promissory note?

A promissory note, bill of exchange or cheque is said to be dishonoured by non-payment when the maker of the note, acceptor of the bill or drawee of the cheque makes default in payment upon being duly required to pay the same.

Who is primarily liable on a note?

Only makers and acceptors (drawees that promise to pay when the instrument is presented) are subject to primary liability. The maker of a promissory note promises to pay the note. An acceptor is a drawee that promises to pay an instrument when it is presented later for payment.

What makes a promissory note void?

Changes Made without a New Agreement

Modifying a promissory note without all parties' consent can void the note. Proper documentation and agreement through a new contract or amendment are necessary to maintain the note's validity.

What is the governing law for promissory notes?

A note is a negotiable instrument under UCC § 3-104(a) if it contains (1) an unconditional promise to pay a fixed amount of money on demand or at a fixed time, (2) no additional obligations of the maker other than payment, (3) contractual terms within the note itself rather than in any additional document and (4) an ...

What is promissory obligation?

Unlike paradigmatic moral duties, the duty not to harm for example, promissory obligations are not owed equally to everyone, but rather only those we have promised. Further, promissory obligations are voluntary; we don't have to make promises, but we must keep them when we do.

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.

What are the problems with promissory notes?

Fraud and investor deception related to promissory notes is significant. Fraudulent promissory note programs often promise very high or guaranteed returns to investors, state that the notes are backed by collateral to guarantee them, or make other appealing but ultimately unfounded claims.

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.

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 someone doesn'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.

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 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 is the primary liability of promissory note?

The maker of a promissory note or cheque, the drawer of a bill of exchange until acceptance, and the acceptor are, in the absence of a contract to the contrary, respectively liable thereon as principal debtors, and the other parties thereto are liable thereon as sureties for the maker, drawer or acceptor, as the case ...

Who is the owner of a promissory note?

The lender—known as the payee—is typically the owner of the original promissory note until the borrower repays the loan. In some cases (like for a mortgage loan), the note may also be held by a financial institution or investment group.