Debt Settlement Arrangement Advice

Debt settlement arrangement advice in Ireland helps people understand whether a Debt Settlement Arrangement (DSA) is right for them. A DSA is an agreed plan to settle unsecured debts, such as credit cards, loans and overdrafts, typically over up to five years. A solicitor would review your unsecured debts and circumstances, explains eligibility, the role of the Personal Insolvency Practitioner, how creditors are bound and how a DSA compares with other options.

The price shown is the full professional fee for the service as described, and any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. If your matter needs more than this service covers, a solicitor would explain the options before any further work is done.

What’s included

• Review of your unsecured debts and circumstances
• Explanation of DSA eligibility
• The role of the Personal Insolvency Practitioner
• How creditors are bound
• Comparison with other debt solutions
• Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
• Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
• A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards

Who this is for

• People struggling with credit card and loan debt
• People considering formal insolvency options
• People who want independent advice before committing
• People contacted by creditors

How it works

1. Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
2. Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
3. A solicitor would then review your debts and explains your options.
4. The completed work is delivered to you by email, with plain-English notes on what to do next.

Frequently asked questions

How much does DSA advice cost in Ireland?

Fees for work of this kind are typically set on application: a solicitor would typically confirm the fee once the matter has been reviewed and before any work begins. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply. You request an assessment, and costs are confirmed in writing before any work begins.

What debts can a DSA cover?

A DSA deals with unsecured debts, such as credit cards, loans and overdrafts. Mortgages are dealt with through other arrangements.

Who arranges a DSA?

A DSA is proposed through a Personal Insolvency Practitioner and needs creditor approval.

For more on debt and insolvency, see our Debt & Insolvency in Ireland guide.

If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.