Legal Question in Credit and Debt Law in California

Loan Note

My uncle borrowed money from his boss and he wrote a loan note saying that he will pay the boss back at a certain time if not his boss will get 25% of the ownership of his house. The note says that he still owes $15,000, but this amount was not given all at once it was cumulative amount of small loans ($500-$2,000). He is currently unemployed so he is unable to pay back the loan. The boss wants to take legal action. So with this note does the boss have the rights to control 25% ownership of the house?


Asked on 9/11/08, 10:37 pm

3 Answers from Attorneys

Bryan C. Becker Your Lawyer for Life.

Re: Loan Note

To start with, I am assuming that 25% of the home value is more than $15,000. Off the top of my head, one argument may be that the loan note does not entitle the boss to an ownership interest in 25% of the house, rather the 25% only represented a security interest so that if the loan defaults, the boss could recover only his 15,000 (plus interest presumably) by exercising his security interest in the home -up to 25%.

Also, although tenuous, you may be able to argue the contract defense of unconscionability.

-Bryan

619.400.4929

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Answered on 9/12/08, 1:12 pm
James Obecian law office san diego

Re: Loan Note

No. The boss would have to get a court judgment first. The contract as stated is patently unfair which raises several defenses. Contact me directly.

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Answered on 9/12/08, 5:58 pm
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: Loan Note

I haven't read the contract, but why wouldn't the boss be able to sue for 25 percent of the house? Am I missing something?

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Answered on 9/11/08, 11:21 pm


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