Securing private notes from friends and family

[Mike Nelson]

My Girlfriend was kind enough to lend me $50k for my last flip.  Going forward, in case something happens to me (death) what is the best way to secure here money?  Is a signed note good enough, or do we need to record it as a security instrument with the county every time?  I am obviously not up to speed on private lending.  

[Ian MacIntyre]

Also, make sure that it is written by a professional in the field. 

Money and family can get ugly.