If you are a consumer who is drowning in debt and you need help, you may be interested in seeking information about debt settlement. Although the practice of debt settlement is legal in most states, it is important to select a debt negotiation company with a track record of success and a history of pursuing fair, sound, and legally compliant business practices. When you are seeking referrals for a reputable debt negotiation company, talk to reliable resources in your community, such as non-profit credit counseling agencies or other trusted resources for low-income or credit-challenged individuals. After you have generated a short list of debt negotiation companies with which you might like to work, be sure to ask each contender a full array of interview questions. Request copies of the company's business policies, fee schedules, and any applicable guarantees. In addition, ask about their overall record of success and request references from current and past customers.