What makes a promissory note unenforceable?

Asked by: Neoma Bechtelar  |  Last update: July 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (25 votes)

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.

What can invalidate 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 requirements to make a promissory note enforceable?

The promissory note form should include:
  • The names and addresses of the lender and borrower.
  • The amount of money being borrowed and what, if any, collateral is being used.
  • How often payments will be made in and in what amount.
  • Signatures of both parties, in order for the note to be enforceable.

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 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 Makes A Promissory Note Invalid? - AssetsandOpportunity.org

15 related questions found

Does a promissory note hold up in a court of law?

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.

What makes a note invalid?

Essential Elements: A valid promissory note must include a signature, date, sum, payer, and payee. Clear Payment Terms: Absence of clear payment terms can lead to the invalidity of a promissory note. Due Payment Date: Omission of a due payment date can render a promissory note invalid.

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.

What are the grounds for promissory estoppel?

Promissory estoppel means that a person will be prevented (estopped) from denying liability for breaching his or her promise, when another person reasonably relied upon that promise and justice requires that the promise be enforced. [(5) That injustice can be avoided only if the promise is enforced].

What are the defenses to a promissory note?

If the lender cannot establish the validity of the promissory note, this may be a defense to the claim of breach. 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.

How to enforce an unsecured 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.

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 a promissory note?

In some circumstances, however, a promissory note is fraudulent and a promissory note scam is operated in order to improperly obtain investor funds. Promissory note fraud is a crime and those involved in a scam can face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted of fraud offenses.

What are the limitations of promissory note?

The time period for filing a suit for money recovery is 3 years from the date promissory note as per Art 35 of Limitation Act 1963 and as per sec 19 of Limitation Act, the fresh period of limitation must be computed in case of any payment was made or otherwise acknoledged the debt.

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.

Which is false regarding a promissory note?

Answer and Explanation: The correct option is c: The incorrect statement is a promissory note is not a negotiable instrument. A promissory note is a promise made by the maker of the note to pay to the payee on a specific date or when demanded by the payee. These instruments are transferred and used as cash.

What are the 5 elements of promissory estoppel?

There are specific elements that must be present:
  • Promisor made a promise significant enough to cause the promisee to act on it.
  • Promisee relied upon the promise.
  • Promisee suffered a significant detriment.
  • Relief can only come in the form of the promisor fulfilling the promise.

Can you sue someone who promised you money?

The short answer is yes, you may have a claim for someone who broke a promise to you.

What is the mirror rule?

In contract law , the “mirror image rule” is a doctrine stipulating that any acceptance of an offer is deemed to be an unconditional assent to the terms of the offer exactly as it is, without any changes or modifications .

Does 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.

How do you invalidate a promissory note?

What invalidates promissory notes?
  1. Incomplete signatures. Both parties must sign the promissory note. ...
  2. Missing payment amount or schedule. ...
  3. Missing interest rate. ...
  4. Lost original copy. ...
  5. Unclear clauses. ...
  6. Unreasonable terms. ...
  7. Past the statute of limitations. ...
  8. Changes made without a new agreement.

What happens if you can'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 legally binding?

A promissory note must include the date of the loan, the dollar amount, the names of both parties, the rate of interest, any collateral involved, and the timeline for repayment. When this document is signed by the borrower, it becomes a legally binding contract.

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).

Can a promissory note be cancelled?

Upon Full Repayment: When the borrower has paid the principal and any applicable interest in full, the lender should cancel the note to signify that the borrower has satisfied their obligations.