Can you sue someone over a promissory note?

Asked by: Lowell Kerluke DVM  |  Last update: November 14, 2025
Score: 4.2/5 (32 votes)

Many businesses use promissory notes to clarify the terms of a loan. When another business or individual agrees to the terms of a promissory note, it is entering into a contract with your company. To uphold the terms of a promissory note, you may need to seek a judgment by filing a lawsuit.

Does a promissory note hold up in court?

Yes, a properly executed promissory note is legally binding. As long as the note contains all necessary elements, is signed by the involved parties, and complies with applicable laws, it's enforceable in court if the borrower defaults or fails to meet their obligations.

Can you sue on a promissory note?

If the debtor fails to pay the debt specified in the promissory note, no other evidence of a breach of contract is necessary to enforce that debt. To enforce a promissory note, you will likely need to: sue the debtor of the note. get a judgment from the court.

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 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.

Promissory Note with Confession of Judgment

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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.

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.

How do you legally enforce a promissory note?

Enforcing a promissory note involves legal processes. If the borrower defaults, the lender can initiate a lawsuit. Courts typically enforce these agreements by examining the note's terms, such as the principal amount, interest rate, and repayment schedule.

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.

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.

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 a promissory note be challenged?

If you have evidence that the lender is not adhering to the terms of the promissory note, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Remedies for breach of contract can include damages, which are intended to compensate the non-breaching party for their losses.

How do you get 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.

Can you sue someone for promissory note?

In general, however, the first step to enforcing the note is to send a demand letter to the borrower. If no response to the demand is received, a collections lawyer can subsequently file a complaint with the court. Depending on the amount owed, a lawsuit may be filed in the Special Civil Part or Law Division.

How legit is a promissory note?

Typically, promissory notes are securities. They must be registered with the SEC, a state securities regulator, or be exempt from registration. Most legitimate promissory notes can easily be verified by checking the SEC's EDGAR database or calling your state securities regulator .

What are the disadvantages of a promissory note?

Cons of a promissory note
  • Limited legal recourse: While a promissory note is a legal document, enforcing repayment can be challenging if the borrower defaults. ...
  • Interest costs: If the promissory note includes interest terms, the borrower will incur additional costs.

Can you go to jail for not paying promissory note?

The answer is almost always NO. A judge will not put you in jail for not paying most debts. You can go to jail for not paying child support and for money owed to the IRS if there is criminal fraud involved.

How many years before a debt is uncollectible?

Most states or jurisdictions have statutes of limitations between three and six years for debts, but some may be longer. This may also vary depending, for instance, on the: Type of debt. State where you live.

What happens if someone doesn't pay 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.

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.

What makes a promissory note void?

Unclear clauses, missing signatures, unfair terms (e.g., excessive interest rates), or losing the original document can render a promissory note invalid and unenforceable. Be aware of these common mistakes.

Can you sue for promissory estoppel?

Can that party recover compensation for the money it spent? There's no contract, so the party cannot sue for a breach. But it can sue under a legal doctrine known as promissory estoppel. When a party suffers some kind of loss by relying on another party's promises, promissory estoppel could provide monetary relief.

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.

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 long is a promissory note valid?

How long is a promissory note valid? They are usually valid for three years after they come into existence.