| name | cognovit-promissory-note |
| title | Cognovit Promissory Note |
| description | Drafts a U.S. cognovit promissory note with confession of judgment clause, enforceability gate, and execution formalities. Use when preparing a commercial loan note with cognovit language, confession of judgment, warrant of attorney, or waiver of notice/hearing rights. Triggers: cognovit, confession of judgment, warrant of attorney, waiver of defenses. |
| author | CaseMark |
| author_url | https://github.com/CaseMark/skills/tree/main/skills/legal/cognovit-promissory-note |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| version | 0.1.0 |
| execution_mode | open |
| jurisdiction | us |
| practice | finance |
| language | en |
Cognovit Promissory Note
Draft an enforceable cognovit promissory note compliant with governing-state law. A cognovit clause lets a borrower authorize entry of judgment without prior notice or hearing — most states prohibit or heavily restrict this, so enforceability must be confirmed before drafting.
Prerequisites
Collect before drafting:
- Governing law / forum — state and venue for enforcement
- Parties — legal names, entity types, formation states, addresses, authorized signers
- Loan terms — principal, rate, term, payment schedule, fees, prepayment
- Transaction type — commercial vs consumer classification; any statutory exemptions
- Authority docs — resolutions, incumbency certificates, consents (if entity borrower)
- Collateral / guaranties — summary of related security documents, if any
Quick Start
- Run the Enforceability Gate (below) — if cognovit is prohibited, stop and output a standard note + guaranty + security agreement instead.
- Draft the note using the Document Sections outline.
- Walk the Checks list before finalizing.
Enforceability Gate (Do First)
| Check | Action | Output |
|---|
| Cognovit permitted? | Research governing-state statutes + recent case law | Allow / deny with citations or [VERIFY] |
| Consumer restriction? | Confirm borrower classification | If consumer or mixed-use, treat as prohibited unless clear statutory exception |
| Required warnings / format? | Identify mandatory warning text, font size, capitalization, separate acknowledgment | Insert exact statutory warning or [VERIFY] |
| Execution formalities? | Check witness / notary / affidavit / attorney requirements | Add required signature formalities |
If prohibited or materially restricted: output alternative structure (standard note + guaranty + security agreement) and stop.
Document Sections
1. Preamble and Parties
- Date, principal (numeric and words)
- Lender and Borrower: legal name, entity type, formation state, address, signatory title
