New Jersey § 12a:3-310

§ 12a:3-310.

a. 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 that 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. b. Unless otherwise agreed and except as provided in subsection a. of this section,

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: (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Except as provided in paragraph (4) of this subsection b., 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 third person which is negotiated to the obligee

by the obligor, discharge of the obligor on the instrument also discharges the obligation. (4) 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. c. If an instrument other than one described in subsection a. or b. of this section

is taken for an obligation, the effect is that stated in subsection a. of this section

if the instrument is one on which a bank is liable as maker or acceptor, or that stated

in subsection b. of this section in any other case.