To dispute a debt, you must write a letter to the debt-collection agency within 30 days of their initial contact with you. Our debt settlement agreement template helps to clearly outline repayment terms to reach a mutually agreeable solution.This article provides a template for a debt settlement proposal letter and explains what a debt settlement letter should contain. Steps for Debt Settlement​​ Review your situation. Make sure you write down everything you owe, including creditors, types of debt, and the total amount owing. To make a debt settlement agreement, you should identify your debt owner, negotiate a settlement, and formalize the agreement in writing with all details. Use this letter to help you negotiate a full and final settlement offer with a creditor. With doityourself debt settlement, you negotiate directly with your creditors in an effort to settle your debt for less than you originally owed. This is a type of offer where you ask the lender to accept part of the amount you owe and write off the rest. State your offer to resolve your debt. •.