There are many things to consider and include when you seek debt relief.
Besides finding a good reputable debt company to use, you have to know what to include in the agreement.
This is to protect yourself during these uncertain times.
Read more to find out what two things you should include.
Your debt relief company does this type of negotiation everyday, there are standard items that they always include with an agreement.
Recently we have heard of a few extra elements that are being tried out that you should know about.
These are two things you must include with your negotiations

1. All Unsecured Debt - make sure you take an accurate assessment of your finances and include all unsecured debt.
   The reason is your credit will be affected negatively for a while, so trying to salvage any unsecured debt won't help.
   The exception would be if you will lose a particular credit card you want to keep.
   If you really want to keep a certain card and they will agree not to close it while you are going through this process, then exclude it.
   BE AWARE, even if they say verbally they won't close the card, they have the right to do it anyway at anytime.
   
2. Layoff Clause - we have recently seen what is called Layoff Clauses include with the plan.
   What this means is if you are laid off or lose your job you payment will either be reduced or suspended during that time.
   The automobile companies started this and now we are hearing of it in the debt relief areas.
   This makes sense in today's economic climate.
   

Don't be afraid to ask for these things and more.
This is the time to do it, just don't agree to terms that will cause more trouble in the future.
Meaning payments that stretch you to thin or terms that go beyond 3 years or so.