What happens if you don't pay back a promissory note?

Asked by: Prof. Marian Daniel DVM  |  Last update: March 4, 2024
Score: 4.6/5 (26 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.

Will a promissory note hold up in court?

Promissory notes are legally binding whether the note is secured by collateral or based only on the promise of repayment. If you lend money to someone who defaults on a promissory note and does not repay, you can legally possess any property that individual promised as collateral.

How do I get out of paying a promissory note?

Circumstances for release of 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.

What happens if you default on 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.

What makes a promissory note illegal?

A promissory note can become invalid if it excludes A) the total sum of money the borrower owes the lender (aka the amount of the note) or B) the number of payments due and the date each increment is due.

Banks don't lend money. They buy your promissory note. (transcript in notes)

37 related questions found

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.

How long is a promissory note valid?

Depending on which state you live in, the statute of limitations with regard to promissory notes can vary from three to 15 years. Once the statute of limitations has ended, a creditor can no longer file a lawsuit related to the unpaid promissory note.

Can a promissory note be forgiven?

Lender shall be entitled to forgive all or a portion of the unpaid principal balance of this Note, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon, at any time.

Is a promissory note considered debt?

A form of debt instrument, a promissory note represents a written promise on the part of the issuer to pay back another party. A promissory note will include the agreed-upon terms between the two parties, such as the maturity date, principal, interest, and issuer's signature.

How long do you have to pay back a promissory note?

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. Promissory notes have set terms, or repayment periods, ranging from a few months to several years.

What are the defenses to enforcement of promissory note?

Duress, coercion, or fraud: If the plaintiff or a third party forced the defendant to sign the promissory note under duress, coercion, or fraud, this might be a valid defense to a claim of breach.

Who can cancel a promissory note?

If both parties agree to cancel the promissory note agreement, they may sign a cancellation or release agreement. This agreement releases the borrower from their obligation to repay the loan and releases the lender from their right to collect the loan.

Is a promissory note 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.

Is a promissory note a long term liability?

A promissory note is recorded as a liability. Depending on the terms of repayment, the promissory note could be listed on a balance sheet as a: short-term liability if the note is payable in full within 12 months. long-term liability if the full amount of the note is repayable in more than 12 months.

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.

How do I sue for breach of 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 happens if the borrower on a promissory note dies?

What happens to a promissory note after the borrower dies? These loans must be repaid by the estate, unless they have been forgiven.

What happens after 7 years of not paying debt?

Although the unpaid debt will go on your credit report and have a negative impact on your score, the good news is that it won't last forever. After seven years, unpaid credit card debt falls off your credit report. The debt doesn't vanish completely, but it'll no longer impact your credit score.

Can you sue on a promissory note?

Promissory notes state the amount of money borrowed, the name of the borrower, the name of the lender, the addresses of the parties, and so on. The lender may file a civil lawsuit to get the money back if the borrower fails to pay it back when due in accordance with the terms of the note.

Who enforces a promissory note?

The first step in enforcing an unsecured promissory note is to file a petition with the courts and get a judgment in your favor. Although this is a powerful legal enforcement of your rights under the promissory note, it does not in and of itself guarantee repayment of the note.

Who owes the debt in a promissory note?

Promissory Note Definition

It typically involves two parties: the borrower(s) who owe the money and the lender to whom it is owed. Promissory notes commonly contain basic information about the loan, such as the amount of money borrowed, the interest rate, collateral (if applicable), and repayment terms.

Who owns a promissory note?

Your lender will keep the original promissory note until your loan is paid off. When you close, you'll also receive a copy of your mortgage and promissory note and the remainder of your closing documents.

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.

Who is the primarily liable on a promissory note?

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.

Does a promissory note make the borrower personally liable for the debt?

Signing a promissory note means you're liable for repaying the loan.