man and woman having discussion while looking at laptop screen

Informal Debt Settlement

An informal debt settlement is a voluntary arrangement negotiated between you and your creditors, without the comfort of ensuring you have a legally binding agreement and the step-by-step guidance provided by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. Your creditors have no legal obligation to work with you on creating a debt agreement and they could cancel it with little or no notice if it is not properly documented in a binding legal document.

How Informal Debt Settlements Work

To develop an informal debt settlement, you will have to first call each of your creditors directly and attempt to negotiate a repayment plan that’s within your budget and satisfies each creditors’ repayment timelines. Each creditor will separately want to negotiate interest rates, amounts and payment schedules. You will then be responsible for the payment obligations according to the terms of the voluntary agreement. The more creditors you have, the more challenging it can be to agree upon and manage each of these agreements.

Deciding on an Informal Debt Settlement Agreement

If you’re uncertain or uncomfortable about the risks involved with this type of debt agreement, talk to your local Licensed Insolvency Trustee to discuss whether it is a good choice for you. We will take the time to listen to your concerns, answer any questions and explain all of your options.

Life-Changing Debt Solutions is about finding the best choice that will work for you.

Latest Blog Posts

2026-06-23

Budgeting for post grads A trustees guide to financial confidence after graduation

Tarah Fawdrey

A Licensed Insolvency Trustee shares simple budgeting tips to help graduates manage money, reduce debt and build confidence.

Read More

2026-06-17

How to improve your savings: Two tips from my father

Vicky Samuels

Money wasn’t something my dad talked about very much when I was growing up. However, he did have a couple of expressions he would share repeatedly over the years.

 

Read More

2026-06-11

Life after debt: What’s next and how to avoid repeating debt

Tina Powell

What happens after a Consumer Proposal or a Bankruptcy? These steps can help you rebuild your credit rating and manage your credit effectively.

Read More

Consultation icon