A promissory note is found. When may it be returned to the creditor?
Halacha 1: A found promissory note should not be returned — it may enable double collection. It may only be returned if the debtor acknowledges the debt remains unpaid.
Question 2
Three promissory notes are found together, all mentioning one borrower and three different lenders. To whom should they be returned?
Halacha 3: When notes found together mention one borrower and multiple lenders, they are returned to the borrower — suggesting he paid and received them.
Question 3
A bill of divorce is found. The husband says he did divorce his wife. To whom should it be returned?
Halacha 5: If the husband acknowledges divorcing his wife, the bill of divorce should be returned to the wife.
Question 4
A gift document from a dying person who subsequently died is found. To whom should it be returned?
Halacha 9: A gift document from a dying person who has since died should not be returned to either the recipient or the heir.
Question 5
If a document is returned contrary to halachic rules, is the document still legally valid?
Halacha 13: Whenever a legal document is returned despite the rule prohibiting its return, the document is considered acceptable and legally valid.