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Compliance Disclosures

Last updated: July 7, 2026

1. Not a Law Firm & No Attorney-Client Relationship

Settle In Peace, Inc. ("we," "us," "our," or the "Service") is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, legal representation, or legal services of any kind. No attorney-client relationship is formed between you and Settle In Peace, its employees, officers, or affiliates by your use of this website, our assessment tool, or any other service we provide.

The information provided on this website — including but not limited to debt assessment results, provider comparisons, educational articles, and blog posts — is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. You should consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for legal guidance specific to your situation. If you are facing legal action such as a lawsuit, wage garnishment, or judgment, you may need immediate legal representation.

Additionally, Settle In Peace is not a credit counseling agency, not a debt settlement provider, and not a financial advisor. We do not negotiate debts on your behalf, hold consumer funds in trust, or provide personalized financial, tax, or investment advice.

2. Nature of Our Service

Settle In Peace is a marketplace and lead-generation platform that connects consumers seeking debt relief with third-party debt relief providers. We are a private, for-profit company. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any government agency, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or any state or federal regulatory body.

We receive compensation from our partner providers. This compensation may affect which providers are featured on our marketplace and the order in which they appear. For more information, see our Affiliate Disclosure below.

3. Fee Disclosure

Settle In Peace does not charge consumers any fees. Our assessment tool is free. There is no cost to create an account, compare providers, or request contact with a provider through our platform. We are compensated by our partner providers, not by consumers.

Provider fees:The debt relief providers in our marketplace typically charge fees for their services. Under the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR), debt settlement providers may not charge or collect any fee until:

  • They have successfully renegotiated, settled, reduced, or otherwise changed the terms of at least one of the consumer's debts;
  • There is a written settlement agreement, debt management plan, or other agreement between the consumer and the creditor; and
  • The consumer has made at least one payment to the creditor pursuant to that agreement.

When fees are charged, they typically range from 15% to 25% of the total enrolled debt, though the exact fee structure varies by provider and state. Some providers may charge fees based on the amount of debt saved (i.e., the difference between the original balance and the settled amount) rather than the total enrolled debt. You should carefully review any fee agreement before enrolling with a provider.

Settle In Peace does not collect, hold, or manage any consumer funds. All fees are paid directly to the provider you choose. We do not receive any portion of the fees you pay to a provider; our compensation is separate and is paid by the provider.

4. Credit Score & Tax Implications

Credit impact: Debt settlement services may have a negative impact on your credit rating. Enrolling in a debt settlement program typically requires you to stop making payments to your creditors, which will likely result in late payments, charge-offs, and collections being reported on your credit report. These negative marks may remain on your credit report for up to seven years and may make it more difficult or expensive to obtain credit in the future.

Tax implications: Forgiven or cancelled debt exceeding $600 may be considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). If a creditor forgives $600 or more of your debt, you may receive a Form 1099-C (Cancellation of Debt) and may be required to report the forgiven amount as income on your federal tax return. This may increase your tax liability. You should consult a qualified tax advisor or CPA to understand the tax consequences of debt settlement in your specific situation.

Other potential consequences: Creditors may pursue collection activities, including phone calls, letters, and lawsuits, while you are enrolled in a debt settlement program. Debt settlement does not guarantee that all creditors will agree to negotiate or settle. Not all clients complete their program.

5. No Guarantees of Results

Results are not guaranteed and vary based on individual circumstances. Settle In Peace makes no representation or warranty that:

  • Any provider on our marketplace will be able to settle your debts;
  • You will achieve a specific percentage of savings on your enrolled debt;
  • Your credit score will improve as a result of using a debt relief program;
  • You will be approved for new credit after completing a program;
  • Any specific provider will accept you as a client or be licensed to operate in your state.

Statistics displayed on our website — including average savings percentages, settlement rates, and program completion rates — are provided by individual providers and have not been independently verified by Settle In Peace. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

6. State-Specific Notices

Debt relief services are subject to state-specific licensing and regulatory requirements that vary significantly by state. Settle In Peace does not provide debt settlement services directly and is therefore not required to hold state debt settlement licenses. However, each partner provider on our marketplace is responsible for maintaining the licenses, registrations, and surety bonds required in the states where they operate.

Availability: Debt settlement and debt relief services may not be available in all states. Certain states impose restrictions on debt settlement advertising, fee structures, or the types of debts that may be settled. The availability of specific providers and services through our platform depends on your state of residence.

Notable state restrictions:

  • California: Debt relief providers must be registered with the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI). Consumers have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) regarding their personal information.
  • New York: Debt settlement providers must be licensed by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS). New York imposes caps on fees that providers may charge.
  • Georgia: Debt adjustment companies are regulated under the Georgia Debt Adjustment Act and must comply with specific fee limitations.
  • Kansas: Debt management service providers must be licensed by the Kansas Office of the State Bank Commissioner.
  • Connecticut, Oregon, and West Virginia: These states have additional regulatory requirements and restrictions on debt settlement services.

Consumer action:Before enrolling with any debt relief provider, you should verify the provider's licensing status with your state's attorney general office or financial regulatory agency. If you believe a provider has violated state law, you may file a complaint with your state attorney general.

7. Filing a Complaint with the CFPB

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is a U.S. government agency that helps consumers with issues related to financial products and services, including debt collection and debt settlement. If you have a complaint about a debt relief provider, a debt collector, or any financial product or service, you can submit a complaint to the CFPB at no cost.

How to File a CFPB Complaint

The CFPB will forward your complaint to the company and work to get a response — usually within 15 days. You can track the status of your complaint online.

You may also file a complaint with your state attorney general's officeor your state's financial regulatory agency. Many states have their own consumer protection divisions that handle complaints about debt relief companies.

To file a complaint about Settle In Peace specifically, contact us at help@settleinpeace.com or file a complaint with the CFPB using the information above.

8. Affiliate & Compensation Disclosure

Settle In Peace operates as an affiliate and lead-generation platform. We receive compensation from partner debt relief providers when:

  • A consumer is matched with and contacts a provider through our platform;
  • A provider purchases a lead generated through our assessment tool;
  • A provider subscribes to our marketplace listing or portal services.

This compensation may affect which providers are featured on our marketplace and the order in which they appear. Providers who pay for a "Marketplace Seat" or "Enterprise" subscription receive priority placement and enhanced visibility. However, all providers in our marketplace must meet our baseline vetting criteria, including state licensing verification, BBB rating review, and industry memberships (AFCC, IAPDA).

We do not receive any compensation from consumers. Our assessment is free, and we do not sell consumer data to data brokers. Consumer contact information is shared with partner providers only when the consumer provides explicit consent (TCPA opt-in) during the assessment process.

9. FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR) Compliance

The providers in our marketplace are subject to the FTC's Telemarketing Sales Rule (16 CFR Part 310), which regulates debt relief services sold by telemarketing. Key consumer protections under the TSR include:

  • No advance fees:Providers may not charge any fee before successfully settling or reducing at least one of the consumer's debts.
  • Dedicated account option: If a provider requires consumers to set aside funds for settlement, the consumer must have the option to use a dedicated account at an insured financial institution that they own and control.
  • Truthful disclosures: Providers must make truthful and non-misleading statements about their services, including the likelihood of results, the time frame to achieve results, and the impact on credit.
  • No misrepresentations: Providers may not falsely claim to be a government agency, nonprofit, or legal aid organization.

Settle In Peace requires all partner providers to attest to their compliance with the TSR and applicable state laws. However, Settle In Peace is not responsible for the conduct of individual providers and does not guarantee their compliance.

10. Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) Consent

By completing our assessment and providing your contact information, you expressly consent to be contacted by Settle In Peace and its partner debt relief providers via phone calls, text messages (SMS), and email regarding your debt relief options. This consent constitutes a TCPA-compliant opt-in under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.

You understand that: (a) standard message and data rates may apply, (b) you may receive automated calls or pre-recorded messages, (c) you are not required to provide this consent as a condition of purchasing any goods or services, and (d) you may opt out at any time by replying "STOP" to text messages, clicking "unsubscribe" in emails, or contacting us directly.

11. Contact Us

If you have questions about these disclosures, our services, or your rights as a consumer, please contact us:

Quick Reference Disclosures

  • Debt settlement services may have a negative impact on your credit rating.
  • Debt settlement programs may not be suitable for all consumers.
  • Settled debt may be considered taxable income by the IRS. Forgiven debt over $600 may generate a 1099-C tax form.
  • We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. You should consult an attorney for legal guidance.
  • Results are not guaranteed and vary by individual circumstances. Not all clients complete their program.
  • Fees may apply for debt settlement services. Provider fees typically range from 15% to 25% of enrolled debt.

Settle In Peace is a marketplace, not a debt settlement provider. We are not affiliated with any government agency, including the CFPB or FTC. View full disclosures. To submit a complaint, visit the CFPB complaint portal.