Illinois Promissory Note

Promissory notes are a valuable legal tool that any individual can use to legally bind another individual to an agreement for purchasing goods or borrowing money. A well-executed promissory note has the full effect of law behind it and is legally binding on both parties.

Although a promissory note is usually written on a computer and printed out or a pre-made form is filled out, a handwritten promissory note signed by both parties is legal and will stand up in court.

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.

No. California promissory notes do not need to be notarized or witnessed for validity.

Write the date of the writing of the promissory note at the top of the page. Write the amount of the note. Describe the note terms. Write the interest rate. State if the note is secured or unsecured. Include the names of both the lender and the borrower on the note, indicating which person is which.

Writing the Promissory Note Terms You don't have to write a promissory note from scratch. You can use a template or create a promissory note online.

Promissory notes are typically recorded as public documents and accessible shortly after the closing. The trustee maintains the original deed until the loan is satisfied. When the loan is paid off, the trustee automatically records a deed of reconveyance at the county recorder's office for safekeeping.