UNITED STATES
Never loan money - not even to family - without getting a Promissory Note from the borrower. Some of these forms are State-specific, but most of these downloadable templates can be used anywhere in the United States or its territories.
Loaning money to family and friends can often be a recipe for disaster. Even with an IOU or promissory note, sometimes the borrower will fail to repay the debt, and you will have to decide whether you should sue them for the money. If you do take them to court, your signed promissory note is proof that you made the loan, and that the borrower promised to repay it on the terms agreed to in the note.
But often the actual signing of a legal document makes the transaction more business-like, more like dealing with a bank. That in itself can act as a catalyst to ensure that the borrower makes the payments on time and honors the terms of the loan, especially when the borrower considers that you have a signed promise from him / her to repay the debt which will stand up as evidence in court.
USA Demand Promissory Note
Before you lend someone money, even if it's someone you know really well, you should have them sign a promissory note - like this downloadable Demand Promissory Note form.
- This is a simple form of Note that can be used throughout the United States.
- The note is payable on demand.
- The debt can be prepaid at any time without any prepayment penalty being charged.
- Simple interest is charged on the outstanding balance.
