Don't use a debt settlement company, why?
If you owe $100,000, and they (the Debt Settlement Companies) settle for $40,000 saving you $60,000 (which you still have to pay Income on to Uncle Sam), they then charge 15% of the $60,000 upfront which is $9000. This is an example of one of the BIGGEST debt settlement companies on the web. They get their money up front, and once they are paid, they then start negotiating settlement. You have NO CONTROL over what they are doing (if they are doing anything), AND the banks HATE DEALING with them.