Compare software, counseling, legal advice and settlement without confusing their roles.
Reviewed October 18, 2026 · General U.S. consumer educationName the problem you need help solving.
Read this part of the guideA short guide to the information behind a collection letter.
Read the complete guidePublic learning. No paid plan required.
Verify the provider’s role, credentials and state availability.
Read this part of the guideThe originals, kept together.
Read scope, fees, cancellation and outcome limitations.
Read this part of the guideA short guide to the information behind a collection letter.
Read the complete guidePublic learning. No paid plan required.
Illustrative data. Your circumstances and independent review shape the possible paths.
Choose help based on the problem, the provider’s actual role and the written terms—not a promised outcome.
Software can help you read information, organize records and follow activity. You can also dispute inaccurate reporting directly with the reporting companies at no cost.
NewLeaf provides software, education and guidance. It is not a bank, law firm, credit counseling organization or debt settlement provider. A paid plan should be reviewed against your actual needs and its disclosures.
Nonprofit credit counseling organizations can help with budgeting and may arrange a debt management plan. A management plan typically focuses on repayment terms rather than forgiveness of principal.
Settlement seeks a creditor’s agreement to changed repayment terms, often for less than the amount claimed. It carries risks and no guaranteed creditor participation. Compare direct creditor options and understand any independent provider’s fees.
A qualified attorney is appropriate for court proceedings, legal defenses, suspected rights violations, potential lawsuits or bankruptcy questions. A professional decides whether to accept a case and on what terms.
Ask who will deliver the service, what it costs, what happens next and how to end it. Do not assume a referral, software subscription or questionnaire creates an attorney-client relationship.
Read the primary guidance and check current requirements for your situation.
This guide is educational. It does not determine eligibility, establish an attorney-client relationship or promise an outcome. Court deadlines, claim deadlines and state-specific requirements may differ. Seek a qualified professional for individual advice.