Question

Case Study Chapter 28 George was the maker of a written promissory note that stated that $500 would be paid on the sale of George's automobile. George initialed the note instead of writing his full name. The promissory note stated that it would be payable six months from the date. The promissory note was not dated. You now have come into possession of this note. Is this note negotiable? Discuss the elements of negotiability and whether each one has been met.

Answer 1

I would say that this note would still be valid despite no date on it since it states that it will be paid after the sale of his automobile and in the absence of a date, I believe it could be considered be paid up to 6 months after the sale of the automobile since that sale will have a date or needs to be ensured that such a date is now recorded. While a full signature is preferable, I believe the initial will suffice since some legal documents say at financial institutions only require an initial and in any case the person who initialled it can be contacted to provide his full signature and confirmation that the 6 months after the sale of the automobile can be used.