ByDesign™ has adopted Best Practices for debt management plans. They are:

1. ByDesign™ counselors receive proper training and are qualified to provide financial assistance prior to performing counseling services in California through counselor certification conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC).
   
   
2. ByDesign™ disburses client funds no later than 15 days after receipt of valid funds, or by the scheduled disbursement date, whichever is the greater amount of time.
   
   
3. ByDesign™ transmits client funds utilizing electronic payment processing when available.
   
   
4. ByDesign™ sends the client’s first disbursement pursuant to a Debt Management Plan (DMP) to be received within six weeks of agreeing to the DMP service.
   
   
5. ByDesign™ reports all of the following to the client monthly, or upon the debtor's request, for any DMP:
   
   *Total amount received from the client.
   *Total amount paid to each creditor.
   *Total amount of estimated balance provided by creditors for  each debt owed by the client.
   *Any amount paid to ByDesign Financial Solutions™ by the client.
   *Any amount held in reserve.
   
   
6. ByDesign™ provides a description of the best practices of the agency and consumer complaint resources to the client no later than the first payment date.
   
   
7. ByDesign™ provides a response to and research of any complaint initiated by a client within five business days of receipt of the complaint.
   
   
8. ByDesign™ clients are not required to utilize additional ancillary services.
   
   
9. ByDesign™ provides access to DMP services regardless of a client’s ability to pay fees related to the debt management plan, lack of creditor participation, or the amount of the consumer's outstanding debt.