Create a bespoke document in minutes, or upload and review your own.
Get your first 2 documents free
Your data doesn't train Genie's AI
You keep IP ownership of your information
Debt Settlement Agreement
I need a debt settlement agreement that outlines the terms for settling an outstanding debt with a creditor, including a reduced lump sum payment and a clear timeline for payment completion. The agreement should also include a confidentiality clause and a provision for releasing the debtor from any further liability once the payment is made.
What is a Debt Settlement Agreement?
A Debt Settlement Agreement outlines how a debtor and creditor have agreed to resolve an outstanding debt, usually for less than the full amount owed. In Singapore, these agreements help parties avoid costly litigation while providing a structured path to settle debts under the Credit Bureau Singapore's reporting framework.
The agreement spells out key terms like the settled amount, payment schedule, and what happens if payments are missed. Once signed, it becomes legally binding under Singapore's Contract Law, protecting both parties and typically including a clause that prevents the creditor from taking further legal action as long as the debtor follows the agreed terms.
When should you use a Debt Settlement Agreement?
Use a Debt Settlement Agreement when you need to negotiate payment terms with creditors but can't meet the full debt obligation. This document becomes essential if your business faces cash flow challenges or when personal financial circumstances make full repayment impossible under Singapore's debt restructuring framework.
The agreement proves particularly valuable during economic downturns, when avoiding bankruptcy is crucial. It helps preserve business relationships and credit standing while providing legal protection. Many Singapore companies turn to these agreements when dealing with multiple creditors, as they create clear documentation of reduced payment terms and release from further liability once the settled amount is paid.
What are the different types of Debt Settlement Agreement?
- Lump Sum Settlement: Creditor accepts a one-time reduced payment to clear the entire debt, ideal for debtors with access to immediate funds
- Installment Settlement: Structures the reduced debt into fixed monthly payments over a set period, common for business debt restructuring
- Multi-Creditor Agreement: Coordinates debt settlement terms with multiple creditors simultaneously, often used in corporate restructuring
- Conditional Settlement: Links debt reduction to specific performance metrics or business recovery targets, popular in commercial contexts
- Full-and-Final Settlement: Includes comprehensive release clauses that prevent future claims, commonly used for complex debt situations
Who should typically use a Debt Settlement Agreement?
- Debtors: Individuals or businesses seeking to resolve outstanding debts, including SMEs facing financial difficulties under Singapore's debt restructuring framework
- Creditors: Banks, financial institutions, or businesses owed money who agree to accept reduced payment terms
- Debt Settlement Agencies: Licensed organizations that negotiate agreements between debtors and creditors under MAS regulations
- Legal Counsel: Lawyers who draft and review agreements to ensure compliance with Singapore's Contract Law
- Corporate Finance Officers: Company representatives who manage debt restructuring processes and implement payment terms
How do you write a Debt Settlement Agreement?
- Debt Details: Compile original debt amount, current balance, interest rates, and payment history documentation
- Party Information: Gather complete legal names, registration numbers, and authorized signatories of all involved parties
- Settlement Terms: Calculate proposed settlement amount, payment schedule, and any conditional requirements
- Supporting Documents: Collect relevant loan agreements, credit reports, and financial statements
- Legal Requirements: Our platform ensures compliance with Singapore's Contract Law while generating your agreement, including necessary release clauses and enforcement provisions
- Internal Approval: Secure necessary authorizations from stakeholders before finalizing the agreement
What should be included in a Debt Settlement Agreement?
- Party Details: Full legal names, addresses, and registration numbers of debtor and creditor parties
- Debt Information: Original debt amount, current balance, and clear statement of the agreed settlement sum
- Payment Terms: Detailed payment schedule, method, and consequences of default under Singapore law
- Release Clause: Clear statement releasing debtor from further liability upon completion of settlement terms
- Governing Law: Explicit reference to Singapore law and jurisdiction
- Termination Rights: Conditions for agreement termination and consequences thereof
- Signatures: Execution blocks for all parties, with space for witness attestation as required
What's the difference between a Debt Settlement Agreement and a Debt Assumption Agreement?
A Debt Settlement Agreement differs significantly from a Debt Assumption Agreement in both purpose and effect under Singapore law. While both deal with debt obligations, they serve distinct functions in financial arrangements.
- Primary Purpose: Debt Settlement Agreements reduce and resolve existing debts, while Debt Assumption Agreements transfer debt obligations from one party to another
- Legal Effect: Settlement agreements terminate the original debt upon completion of agreed payments, whereas assumption agreements create new obligations for the assuming party
- Party Structure: Settlement involves original creditor and debtor negotiating reduced terms, while assumption requires three parties - original debtor, new debtor, and creditor
- Timeline Impact: Settlement typically ends the debt relationship upon completion, but assumption continues the debt under new responsibility
Download our whitepaper on the future of AI in Legal
Genie’s Security Promise
Genie is the safest place to draft. Here’s how we prioritise your privacy and security.
Your documents are private:
We do not train on your data; Genie’s AI improves independently
All data stored on Genie is private to your organisation
Your documents are protected:
Your documents are protected by ultra-secure 256-bit encryption
Our bank-grade security infrastructure undergoes regular external audits
We are ISO27001 certified, so your data is secure
Organizational security
You retain IP ownership of your documents
You have full control over your data and who gets to see it
Innovation in privacy:
Genie partnered with the Computational Privacy Department at Imperial College London
Together, we ran a £1 million research project on privacy and anonymity in legal contracts
Want to know more?
Visit our Trust Centre for more details and real-time security updates.
Read our Privacy Policy.