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My brother signed over his motorcycle to me. Is it legal that there was no witness?

My brother signed over his motorcycle to me. Is it legal that there was no witness?

Q: Do all contracts need to be notarized?

No, not all contracts require notarization to be legally binding. While notarization can provide additional proof of authenticity, it is not a requirement for most agreements, including promissory notes.

Q: What is a promissory note?

A promissory note is a written promise to pay a specified amount of money to a designated person by a certain date. It is a type of contract that outlines the terms of repayment and can be enforceable even without witnesses.

Q: Can a verbal agreement be legally binding?

Yes, a verbal agreement can be legally binding if it meets all the essential elements of a contract. However, proving the terms of a verbal agreement can be challenging compared to a written contract.

Q: What should I do if someone breaches a contract?

If someone breaches a contract, you may seek remedies such as enforcement of the contract, damages for losses, or specific performance. It’s advisable to consult a legal professional to explore your options.

Full question:

My brother signed over his motorcycle to me. So it is in my name . If he signed a paper stating he would pay this person $1500 by a certain date and if he did not he would give the motorcycle to them. Is it legal that the paper was not witnessed?

Category: Personal Property
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Iowa

Answer:

A promissory note is not always required to be notarized and witnessesed, even if it includes a security interest. The contract is binding as long as the basic elements of a contract exist. Please see:

http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/contract-law/

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What makes a contract legally binding?

A contract is legally binding if it includes essential elements: offer, acceptance, consideration, and mutual intent to create a legal obligation. Even if not witnessed, as long as these elements are present, the contract can be enforceable.