What happens to a promissory note when the borrower dies?

Asked by: Dr. Francesca Lockman IV  |  Last update: August 2, 2025
Score: 4.9/5 (70 votes)

The death of the noteholder does not release the payor, except in the rare case where the note states that death will cancel the debt. Absent such a provision, the debt becomes an asset of the noteholder's estate, and it is then owed to the estate.

Can a promissory note be forgiven at death?

Promissory notes: A promissory note is a written promise or contract to repay a loan—it is often used for loans between family members. What happens to a promissory note after the borrower dies? These loans must be repaid by the estate, unless they have been forgiven.

Can a promissory note be inherited?

“So the note is an asset of their estate to be distributed in accordance with its terms. Even so, if your parents wanted you to not repay the estate, they should have directed the note be distributed back to you rather than cancel it.”

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 happens to a loan when the borrower dies?

After you die, your creditors have a right to file a claim against your estate for the money you owe. That money would come out of your estate, along with any other expenses like funeral or burial costs, if you leave behind enough money or property to cover them.

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

24 related questions found

Is family responsible for deceased debt?

If the deceased was the primary borrower, the estate will be responsible for the debt. If the estate cannot pay it, though, the cosigner will be responsible. This is one of the reasons many financial planners advise clients to avoid cosigning financial documents.

Why shouldn't you always tell your bank when someone dies?

If you contact the bank before consulting an attorney, you risk account freezes, which could severely delay auto-payments and direct deposits and most importantly mortgage payments. You should call Social Security right away to tell them about the death of your loved one.

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.

Who keeps the original promissory note?

The lender keeps the original promissory note until you have fulfilled all obligations, i.e., paid off, your mortgage. A promissory note will generally contain the following information: The total amount of money borrowed; Your interest rate (either fixed or adjustable);

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

Signing a promissory note means you're liable for repaying the loan. It contains the terms for repayment.

How does a promissory note work in real estate?

A promissory note is a legal document that states the borrower is indebted to the lender and promises to pay their mortgage back in full (including the principal and interest rate) by a specified date. Promissory notes describe exactly what you're agreeing to and provide you with details regarding your loan.

Who is the beneficiary of a promissory note?

Usually The following subjects are involved in the issuance of a promissory note: Transmitter: is the person who agrees to pay the agreed amount. Beneficiary: is the recipient of the amount, the person who receives the document that commits the issuer.

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.

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.

Do I have to pay my deceased mother's credit card debt?

When a loved one passes away, you'll have a lot to take care of, including their finances. It's important to remember that credit card debt does not automatically go away when someone dies. It must be paid by the estate or the co-signers on the account.

Is a promissory note part of an estate?

Promissory notes held by a deceased person at the time of death can be included in the taxable estate. The value of the note, particularly if it is between private parties, must be assessed and included in the estate's total value for estate tax purposes.

What makes a promissory note invalid?

Some common triggers that can invalidate and cause problems in a promissory note are: missing the payment schedule or interest rate, loss of the original copy of the document, and others. When a promissory note becomes invalid the lender cannot sue the borrower legally if they fail to make payments.

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 you lose a promissory note?

It is generally accepted that the lender who loses their promissory note can enforce the debt it represents by signing an affidavit of the lost promissory note.

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.

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 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.

What not to do immediately after someone dies?

What Not to Do When Someone Dies: 10 Common Mistakes
  • Not Obtaining Multiple Copies of the Death Certificate.
  • 2- Delaying Notification of Death.
  • 3- Not Knowing About a Preplan for Funeral Expenses.
  • 4- Not Understanding the Crucial Role a Funeral Director Plays.
  • 5- Letting Others Pressure You Into Bad Decisions.

Can I withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account?

An executor/administrator of an estate can only withdraw money from a deceased person's bank account if the account does not have a designated beneficiary or joint owner and is not being disposed of by the deceased person's trust.

Are bank accounts automatically frozen when someone dies?

Banks freeze access to deceased accounts, such as savings or checking accounts, pending direction from an authorized court. Banks generally cannot close a deceased account until after the person's estate has gone through probate or has otherwise settled.