Drafting Agreements For Repayment Of Debts
Promissory Note Lawyers In Alberta
If you lend someone money, or if someone owes you money, properly documenting the loan saves time and headaches. Different loans use different mechanisms to secure the debt. In some instances, people, banks or companies use a mortgage. Other times people use a debenture, general security agreement or a promissory note. The Calgary and Edmonton lawyers at Kahane Law Office assist clients in drafting promissory notes to help ensure payment of debts.
What Is A Promissory Note?
A promissory note is a promise made in writing to repay a debt to someone or a company. As a general rule, promissory notes are less formal and used in less formal situations than other forms of security. The effectiveness of a promissory note largely depends on several factors. These factors include the type of promissory note used as well as specific charging provisions granted by the note. In all cased, notes should be made in writing and signed by the debtor.
Types Of Promissory Notes
People use two basic types of promissory notes. Which type of note people use general depends on the specific situation for which a borrower uses funds as well as the relationship between the lender and the borrower. The two types of note include:
Contingent Notes
A contingent promissory note, is a note agreed to so that the loan is payable on the occurrence of an event. The repayment is contingent on that event occurring. For example, if a parent or parents lend money to their child for the purchase of a home, the repayment of the loan may be contingent, or triggered by, the sale of the home. A number of first time home buyer loans operate in a similar fashion. The lender, with these notes, lacks the ability to call in the repayment of the loan prior to the triggering event.
Demand Loans
With a demand loan, the lender is at liberty to demand payment of the loan at any time. Generally, the lender makes the demand in writing and the borrower must repay the debt. A critical thing to consider is the limitation period with regards to these loans. Discuss the risks with your lawyer prior to agreeing to lend money on a demand based promissory note.
Charging Provisions For Greater Protection
A charging provision in a promissory note allows for a lender to register a caveat against real property in Alberta under the Land Titles Procedure Manual. Caveat is Latin for warning. A caveat on title acts as a warning to people who take ownership of the property or make loans in the face of it. This means that security exists, subject to prior registrations. The agreement must be in writing and specifically charge land. Using care in drafting these promissory notes is key due to the specific requirements required to allow for charging land.
Other Key Provisions In A Note
As with all loan agreements, agreement between the lender and the borrower is a key component in drafting loan provisions. In addition to the above, promissory notes usually include the following provisions. For example, they include the:
- Interest rate;
- Principal loan amount;
- Schedule for repayment;
- Parties to the loan agreement; and lastly
- Any security or other security agreements.
Drafting Promissory Notes
The lawyers at Kahane Law Office in Calgary, assist lenders in protecting money that they lend. We assist in negotiating, drafting, registration of related security and enforcement, if necessary. Do not leave things to chance and properly secure your hard earned money when making loans, even between family members. Pre-determined terms help avoid problem down the road if disagreements arise. Call today! Call (403) 225-8810 in Calgary and Southern Alberta and (780) 571-8463 in Edmonton and Northern Alberta or toll-free at 1-877-225-8817 or feel free to email us here.