Maine Code § 11-3-1310

Effect of instrument on obligation for which taken
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(1). Unless otherwise agreed, if a certified check, cashier's check or teller's check is taken for an
obligation, the obligation is discharged to the same extent discharge would result if an amount of money
equal to the amount of the instrument were taken in payment of the obligation. Discharge of the
obligation does not affect any liability that the obligor may have as an indorser of the instrument.
[PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
(2). Unless otherwise agreed and except as provided in subsection (1), if a note or an uncertified
check is taken for an obligation, the obligation is suspended to the same extent the obligation would be
discharged if an amount of money equal to the amount of the instrument were taken and the following
rules apply.

(a). In the case of an uncertified check, suspension of the obligation continues until dishonor of
the check or until it is paid or certified. Payment or certification of the check results in discharge
of the obligation to the extent of the amount of the check. [PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
(b). In the case of a note, suspension of the obligation continues until dishonor of the note or until
it is paid. Payment of the note results in discharge of the obligation to the extent of the payment.
[PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
(c). Except as provided in paragraph (d), if the check or note is dishonored and the obligee of the
obligation for which the instrument was taken is the person entitled to enforce the instrument, the
obligee may enforce either the instrument or the obligation. In the case of an instrument of a 3rd
person that is negotiated to the obligee by the obligor, discharge of the obligor on the instrument
also discharges the obligation. [PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
(d). If the person entitled to enforce the instrument taken for an obligation is a person other than
the obligee, the obligee may not enforce the obligation to the extent the obligation is suspended. If
the obligee is the person entitled to enforce the instrument but no longer has possession of it because
it was lost, stolen or destroyed, the obligation may not be enforced to the extent of the amount
payable on the instrument and to that extent the obligee's rights against the obligor are limited to
enforcement of the instrument. [PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
[PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
(3). If an instrument other than one described in subsection (1) or (2) is taken for an obligation,
the effect is:
(a). That effect stated in subsection (1) if the instrument is one on which a bank is liable as maker
or acceptor; or [PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
(b). That effect stated in subsection (2) in any other case. [PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]
[PL 1993, c. 293, Pt. A, §2 (NEW).]

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