Who owes the debt in a promissory note?

Asked by: Durward Barrows  |  Last update: December 23, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (21 votes)

A promissory note is a written agreement between a borrower and a lender saying that the borrower will pay back the amount borrowed plus interest. The promissory note is issued by the lender and is signed by the borrower (but not the lender).

Who is the 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.

Who is the borrower in a promissory note?

Promissory notes are relatively straightforward, typically involving just two parties: the borrower (the “maker”) and the money lender (the “payee”).

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.

What happens if someone doesn't pay on 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.

I loaned some money to a friend, and he signed a promissory note. What should I do?

45 related questions found

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 pays the money in a promissory note?

It is considered a contract, and signing it legally obligates the borrower to pay back the amount borrowed, plus any interest, as defined in the promissory note. This blog post is offered for general information purposes only.

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 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 if someone defaults on a promissory note?

Secured Promissory Notes

If a borrower defaults on a secured promissory note, the lender has the legal right to seize the designated collateral to recoup their losses.

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.

Does a promissory note create a lien?

Like loan contracts, promissory notes may contain a clause granting the borrower security in the asset in the event that the borrower defaults on the loan. However, a promissory note is rarely sufficient to grant the lender a lien on an asset if the borrower defaults on their loan, as a loan contract would do.

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.

Who is the owner of a promissory 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.

How to collect money owed on a promissory note?

How To Collect On a Promissory Note
  1. Statute of Limitations. ...
  2. Organize All Related Documentation. ...
  3. Contact the Borrower. ...
  4. Hire an Attorney. ...
  5. Have Your Attorney Contact the Borrower. ...
  6. File Suit Against the Borrower. ...
  7. Enforce the Court's Decision. ...
  8. Collection Through a Third Party.

What happens to a promissory note when the borrower dies?

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.

Who is primarily liable for payment of a promissory note?

Two parties are primarily liable: the maker of a note and the acceptor of a draft. They are required to pay by the terms of the instrument itself, and their liability is unconditional.

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.

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.

Will a notarized promissory note hold up in court?

Notarization provides added legitimacy and security, making enforcing the promissory note in court easier. It also helps verify the authenticity of signatures, reducing the risk of disputes.

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 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.

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.

Is a promissory note considered debt?

Promissory notes are a form of debt that companies use to raise money. Investors loan money to a company. In return, investors are promised a fixed amount of periodic income.

Who is the payment of the promissory note made by?

There are only two parties to a Promissory Note, one is the maker or the payer and another one is the payee. It is not transferable and thus, the amount is not payable to the bearer. A promissory note can be made payable to bearer.