About the I.A.P.D.A.

 

 

 

Membership in the IAPDA provides training, certification, debt settlement industry knowledge, legistlative updates and important peer credibility to our members.

 

The International Association of Professional Debt Arbitrators grew from the commitment of its members to the establishment and maintenance of the highest standards of ethics, professional conduct, and responsible trading, for members operating in the Debt Settlement industry. The evolution of the services provided, and the rapid deployment of Internet and related technology, has meant that this sector of the market has grown in size and range of services. This Professional Third Party Debt Arbitration/Settlement sector now handles a much greater depth of services than at any other time in history.

 

A commitment to our Code of Ethics has helped to build the IAPDA to be a primary, specialist voice for the Debt Arbitration/Settlement industry in North America. That voice is important to the Debt Arbitration profession. We provide a resource focused on ensuring fairness, equity and professionalism in the conduct of our members. The IAPDA provides a point of contact for legislators, community and consumer interest groups and industry.

 

The IAPDA seeks to differentiate our members and to provide some guarantees to users and all businesses that, as a group of professionals representing this sector in the North American market, we are committed to our Code of Ethics and to maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct.

 

IAPDA Certified Debt Arbitrators and Certified Debt Specialists are respected professionals in the Debt Settlement industry. Clients, creditors/collectors and collection attorneys all recognize the commitment of our members to training, certification and membership in the IAPDA. Leading Debt Settlement professionals fully understand the value and the return received for their initial business investment in training, certification and membership.

 

IAPDA membership is comprised of individuals with firms of all sizes from small (1-4 members) to many of North America's leading and largest Debt Arbitration & Settlement firms. We are the only Certification program focused on Certifying individual Debt Professionals rather than the Debt Settlement company. See our Member Links page for firms with IAPDA Certified members.

 

We hope that users of the services our members provide, will support the individuals and organizations that meet the tests for membership of the IAPDA. These members share a commitment to professionalism, business ethics and community values.

 

>> Learn More About The Professional Debt Arbitration Training Program

(the training course Table of Contents)
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Our Featured Question & Answer of the Day For Sunday

 

Q. What is "Debt Settlement?"

 

A: Debt Settlement is when your creditors agree to accept a lump sum payment for less than the actual balance due. In simple terms, it means your creditors agree to take less.  

 

It is accomplished by negotiating with your creditors. The IRS as well as some creditors, refer to Debt Settlement as Debt Forgiveness, Settlement in Compromise, or a Negotiated Settlement.  

 

Occasionally, a creditor may agree to accept a lesser amount and will allow the settlement to be paid over time, by making monthly payments. This is very rare as most of the time in order to obtain a favorable settlement, it must be paid in full and typically within 10 days of reaching an agreement. 

 

If a creditor does agree to a settlement and allows you to make monthly payments, it is generally a short time-3 months or so, and results in high monthly payments. On rare occasions, a creditor may allow the balance to be paid over 1 year, but this is rare.

 

Monthly payments on settlements seldom occur when accounts are placed with 3rd party collection agencies or attorneys as they require immediate lump sum payments. Collection agencies often do not have the authority to accept monthly payments on a settlement. However, in a few rare cases, a collection agency may agree to a settlement amount if approved by the original creditor and allow the balance to be paid over time; however this is even more rare.  

 

In short, the best settlements occur when cash is available to immediately settle the account. For this reason,most debt settlement programs are based upon your setting aside funds each month so you accrue funds and the Certified Debt Specialist has money to offer your creditors a lump sum settlement. This is done on a first come – best deal - first serve – basis.