Why You Need a Business Contract Lawyer. If you're asking whether you need a lawyer to draft a contract, legally, the answer is no. Anyone can draft a contract on their own and as long as the elements above are included and both parties are legally competent and consent to the agreement, it is generally lawful.
Ing to Boundy (2012), typically, a written contract will include: Date of agreement. Names of parties to the agreement. Preliminary clauses. Defined terms. Main contract clauses. Schedules/appendices and signature provisions (para. 5).
Aside from the few exceptions such as those mentioned above, most contracts do not need notarization to be valid and effective as between the parties. However, notarization is essential to bind third persons.
While not required by law, having the promissory note notarized can provide additional legal protection and evidentiary weight in court should any dispute arise over its enforcement.