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Former Fiancé Accused of Failing Promissory Note Terms

LOUISIANA RECORD

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Former Fiancé Accused of Failing Promissory Note Terms

State Court
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A contentious dispute over a $9,000 promissory note between former fiancés has culminated in a significant court ruling. On August 21, 2024, the Court of Appeal for the Fourth Circuit of Louisiana upheld an October 3, 2023 judgment from the Civil District Court of Orleans Parish in favor of Jamie Glaser against Noah Hasslock.

The case stems from a promissory note executed on December 31, 2014, when Glaser and Hasslock were engaged. The note detailed that Glaser lent Hasslock $9,000 to assist with the down payment on a home intended to be their marital domicile. However, following their divorce on November 21, 2018, Glaser sought to enforce the note and reclaim her funds. On June 21, 2021, she filed a petition to enforce the note in Civil District Court.

Hasslock contended that Glaser's claims had prescribed under Louisiana Civil Code article 3498 because more than five years had passed since the execution of the note and purchase of the home. He argued that an event of acceleration occurred when he failed to put the home into joint tenancy with Glaser. However, Glaser maintained that prescription did not begin until she moved out of the property post-divorce. The trial court denied Hasslock’s exception of prescription and subsequent motions for summary judgment.

During discovery and pre-trial proceedings, several disputes arose. Notably, Hasslock attempted to introduce new witnesses and exhibits beyond the discovery deadline set for May 31, 2022. In response, Glaser filed a motion in limine to exclude these late disclosures. The trial court granted this motion on September 25, 2023.

At trial on September 25, 2023, Glaser testified about her financial contributions and conditions tied to the loan documented by the promissory note. Her mother corroborated her testimony regarding the intent behind the funds—asserting they were meant as a loan rather than a gift if certain conditions were unmet or if their marriage ended.

Hasslock countered by claiming he was intoxicated when he signed the note and did not recall its terms or signing it at all. He also introduced a gift letter dated January 6, 2015; however, this evidence was excluded due to his failure to disclose it timely during discovery.

Ultimately, Judge Ellen M Hazeur ruled in favor of Glaser on October 3, 2023. She awarded $9,000 in damages plus $2,765.28 in attorney’s fees based on findings that Hasslock failed to prove nonexistence or extinguishment of the promissory note.

Representing Jamie Glaser was Emma Kingsdorf Schwab from Irpino Avin & Hawkins law firm located at Magazine Street in New Orleans. J. William Starr represented Noah Hasslock from his office at Lake Kristin Drive in Gretna.

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