{"meta":{"key":"s_de--pass-01","task":"S_DE","title":"SDE — Delaware provider market access and consumer fees","parent_title":"Delaware debt and debt relief law","edition":"pass-01","path":"/research/s_de--pass-01/","kind":"split_pass","category":"state","role":"state","area_numbers":[66],"groups":["collections"],"date":"2026-10-25","tables":6,"claims":19,"sources":9,"review_status":"revise","review_complete":true,"sha256":"2e4a8d5967c147c0bf6390f9fb9b9f4e6a38961baa2a55a3629438165575a494","headings":["A. Substantive findings","Executive determination","1. Statutory classification and territorial reach","2. Permission and licensing","3. Consumer fee structures","4. Fee timing: Delaware versus federal law","5. Refunds, cancellation and failure cases","B. Primary-source register","C. Claim-to-evidence register","Critical distinction: 18% is not an earned-fee schedule","D. Bounded worked examples","Example DE-E01 — Lower-debt DMP","Example DE-E02 — Principal-reduction aggregate cap","Example DE-E03 — Settlement without customer payment","Example DE-E04 — Prior-fee consistency","Example DE-E05 — Cancellation and noncustodial termination","Example DE-E06 — No-agreement counseling","E. Component coverage and gap register","Exact next investigations","F. Researcher self-check"],"generation_provenance":{"actual_route":"regular_chat_adaptive_models","actual_model":"GPT-5.6 Sol","actual_mode":"Pro","provenance_limit":"Actual documented capture labels only; missing labels remain unknown. No preferred setting is inferred as actual execution."},"public_id":"S_DE/pass-01","facets":{"geography":["us","us-de"],"debt_type":[],"stage":[],"subject":["fees-outcomes","provider-licensing"]},"scope":"Fresh Delawareprovider-access/fees component only; allbroader statecategories required","pending_corrections":0},"markdown":"# S_DE — Delaware provider market access and consumer fees\n\nPASS-01 | SettleADebt.com | Research access: October 24, 2026 | Baseline: October 22, 2026\n\n## A. Substantive findings\n\n### Executive determination\n\nDelaware has an express statutory licensing framework for debt-management services under 6 Del. C. Chapter 24A, the Delaware Uniform Debt-Management Services Act. It covers more than conventional debt-management plans: the statutory definition expressly reaches intermediaries seeking concessions from unsecured creditors, which can include principal-reduction debt settlement.\n\nThe Delaware Department of Justice identifies the Attorney General as the licensing and enforcement authority and reports that the statute took effect January 17, 2007. Both for-profit and nonprofit providers can fall within the licensing requirement, including out-of-state providers serving known Delaware residents remotely. Delaware Code+2\n\nInitial market-access classification: CONDITIONALLY PERMITTED, NOT AUTOMATICALLY AUTHORIZED.\n\nThis means a debt-settlement business should not classify Delaware as an unrestricted operating state. A covered provider needs the appropriate Delaware license and must comply with the applicable statutory, regulatory, contractual and fee restrictions. A business's authorization cannot be inferred from another provider's license or from the availability of an application.\n\nThe key distinctions for this investigation are:\n\n- Debt settlement versus DMP: Both can be covered, although the rules applicable to their fees and performance may differ.\n- Custodial versus noncustodial: Handling consumer funds is important, but the absence of custody does not by itself remove the licensing requirement.\n- Nonprofit versus for-profit: Nonprofit status alone is not an exemption.\n- Attorney versus commercial provider: The statutory legal-services exclusion requires qualifying legal services within an attorney-client relationship, not merely an attorney's involvement.\n- State versus federal timing: Delaware's fee limits do not override the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule's independently applicable advance-fee prohibition.\n\nThese are legal classification findings, not a determination that SettleADebt.com or any particular provider has obtained authorization.\n\n### 1. Statutory classification and territorial reach\n\nS_DE-P1-C001 — Definition. Under § 2402A(7), a concession is a more favorable repayment term than the original creditor agreement. Under § 2402A(9), debt-management services involve acting as an intermediary between an individual and unsecured creditors to obtain concessions. Section 2402A(17) separately defines a settlement fee by reference to a creditor accepting less than principal in full satisfaction. Delaware Code+1\n\nConsequently:\n\n| Business model | Delaware Chapter 24A classification |\n| --- | --- |\n| Negotiating unsecured debts below principal | Covered when the intermediary and other statutory elements are met |\n| Negotiating reduced interest or late fees | Covered when those elements are met |\n| Collecting and distributing consumer funds under a concession plan | Covered; additional custodial rules apply |\n| Negotiating while consumer retains funds | Potentially covered; noncustody is not an exemption |\n| Standalone financial education without creditor intermediation | Requires separate classification; not automatically a covered debt-management service |\n| Direct creditor negotiating its own debt | Generally outside the intermediary definition; other law remains relevant |\n| Business-purpose debt for a nonindividual debtor | Not established as covered by this individual-focused definition; separate classification required |\n| Secured-debt negotiations | Not established under the unsecured-creditor definition; other laws remain open |\n\nS_DE-P1-C002 — Residency. Sections 2403A(a)–(b) and 2404A(a) establish a knowledge-based Delaware residency test at the time the provider agrees to furnish services. Remote operations do not independently exempt a provider. Delaware Code+1\n\nS_DE-P1-C003 — Exemptions. Section 2403A includes a no-compensation exemption and specified exclusions for judicial officers, court-directed persons, assignees for creditors' benefit, banks, qualifying regulated bank affiliates and certain incidental bill-paying providers. The no-compensation test includes compensation from creditors, not just fees collected directly from consumers. Attorney, accountant and financial-planner exclusions must independently satisfy the definition's requirements. Delaware Code+1\n\n### 2. Permission and licensing\n\nS_DE-P1-C004 — License requirement. Section 2404A prohibits a covered provider from serving a person it reasonably should know is a Delaware resident unless the provider holds a Chapter 24A license. Employees and agents of an already licensed provider are addressed separately in § 2404A(b). The Attorney General must publicize a list of licensees under § 2404A(c). Delaware Code\n\nS_DE-P1-C005 — Application. Sections 2405A–2406A require a prescribed application, a $2,000 nonrefundable government application fee, required bond documentation, insurance evidence, ownership and operating information, accreditation, counselor certification information and other disclosures. The statute specifies $250,000 in qualifying insurance. These are provider-side licensing costs, not consumer debt-settlement fees. Delaware Code+1\n\nThe Delaware Department of Justice provides an official [licensing resource page](https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), with initial application, renewal, surety bond, approved accreditation and counselor certification resources.\n\nThe [published licensee roster dated April 15, 2025](https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) was located, but that dated roster is not proof of a particular provider's current October 2026 status. State of Delaware+1\n\n### 3. Consumer fee structures\n\nS_DE-P1-C006 — Mandatory agreement prerequisite. Section 2423A(a)–(b) prohibits charges outside the statutory permissions and prohibits imposing or receiving debt-management fees before a compliant agreement is signed. Section 2423A(c) separately restricts education and counseling charges when the consumer enters an agreement. Delaware Code\n\nS_DE-P1-C007 — Concession-only DMP. For plans involving reductions in finance charges, late fees, default fees or delinquency fees, § 2423A(d)(1) specifies statutory starting amounts of $50 for setup-related services and a monthly maximum of the lesser of $10 per remaining creditor or $50. These dollar amounts are expressly subject to § 2432A(f) adjustments. Delaware Code\n\nS_DE-P1-C008 — Principal-reduction settlement. Section 2423A(d)(2) authorizes categories of setup, monthly and settlement fees, subject to its other requirements. It specifies an 18% aggregate ceiling on total principal debt, and § 2423A(f) imposes a debt-specific limitation with crediting of earlier setup and monthly charges. The statute forbids charging under both the concession-only and principal-reduction structures. Delaware Code\n\nThe 18% amount is a statutory ceiling, not a guaranteed permissible contract rate, not a percentage of savings, and not an authorization to collect in advance.\n\nS_DE-P1-C009 — No-agreement counseling. Section 2423A(d)(4) allows up to $100 for qualifying education or counseling when the consumer does not enter an agreement, unless the Attorney General approves a higher fee. Under subsection (e), that fee must be refunded if the consumer enters an agreement before 90 days have elapsed following completion or termination of counseling. The exception in § 2428A(d) still requires investigation. Delaware Code\n\nS_DE-P1-C010 — Inflation adjustments. Section 2432A(f) permits Attorney General adjustments to specified statutory dollar amounts, with a July 1 effective mechanism and public notice under subsection (g). The exact adjusted consumer dollar limits effective October 24, 2026 are held, because a controlling adjustment notice has not been authenticated. No CPI-based figure is substituted. Delaware Code\n\n### 4. Fee timing: Delaware versus federal law\n\nS_DE-P1-C011 — Federal TSR. The directly opened eCFR text, displayed as current through October 22, 2026, establishes that for covered telemarketed debt-relief services, a fee cannot be requested or received until the applicable debt has been renegotiated, settled or otherwise altered under a valid agreement and the consumer has made at least one payment under that agreement.\n\nFor individually settled debts, § 310.4(a)(5)(i)(C) requires either proportional allocation based on enrolled balances or a consistent percentage-of-savings method. It does not permit arbitrary front-loading of a portfolio fee. eCFR\n\nA compliant Delaware agreement therefore does not by itself establish that a telemarketed provider may immediately charge a setup or monthly fee. The independently applicable federal rule must also be satisfied. Federal coverage and exemptions must be evaluated for the actual sales and service model.\n\n### 5. Refunds, cancellation and failure cases\n\nS_DE-P1-C012 — Cancellation. Section 2420A provides an ordinary three-business-day cancellation period, extended to 30 days for specified noncompliant agreements or notices. A narrow personal-financial-emergency waiver exists, but requires a signed, dated, individualized statement expressly waiving cancellation; a standard-form waiver is void. Delaware Code\n\nS_DE-P1-C013 — Termination refunds. Section 2426A distinguishes providers holding consumer funds from those not holding them. The statute specifies return of trust funds and 65% refund calculations for certain uncredited setup fees or fees associated with unsettled principal, respectively. Section 2422A(h) separately addresses undistributed funds after termination or plan failure. These rules cannot be replaced with a universal full-refund or no-refund policy. Delaware Code+1\n\nS_DE-P1-C014 — Unauthorized fees or unlicensed agreements. Section 2425A makes specified agreements voidable where unauthorized fees are charged or required licensing was absent when the consumer assented. Delaware Code\n\n## B. Primary-source register\n\nAll access checks below were conducted October 24, 2026. A source's publication or legal effective date is distinct from its access date.\n\n| Source ID | Issuer, document and literal URL | Pinpoint and verification status |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| S_DE-P1-S001 | Delaware General Assembly, current online Title 6, Chapter 24A. [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | §§ 2402A–2406A, 2417A, 2419A–2428A, 2432A. Official text opened and relevant passages read. Current online codification; complete amendment-by-amendment currency not independently audited. |\n| S_DE-P1-S002 | Delaware DOJ, Debt Management Services Act. [https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/](https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Licensing authority, effective-date statement, forms, roster, certification and accreditation resources. Read. Operational guidance, not independent statutory authorization. |\n| S_DE-P1-S003 | Delaware DOJ, Debt Management Licensing Advisory for Business. [https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/](https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Residency, nonprofit coverage, application requirements and fee disclosures. Read. Agency summary; statute controls. |\n| S_DE-P1-S004 | Delaware DOJ, Licensed Providers, roster dated April 15, 2025. [https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf](https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Three-page official PDF located and opened. Historical roster, not a verified current October 2026 roster. |\n| S_DE-P1-S005 | Delaware Department of Justice regulations, 6 Del. Admin. C. 102. [https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml](https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Official linked route returned zero extracted lines. Not substantively read. Current complete operative regulations and amendments held. |\n| S_DE-P1-S006 | Federal eCFR, 16 CFR § 310.4. [https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4](https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | §§ 310.4(a)(2), (a)(5)(i)–(ii). Official federal text read, displayed current through October 22, 2026. |\n| S_DE-P1-S007 | Delaware Code, Credit Services Organizations Act, Chapter 24. [https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html](https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Registration, prohibited practices and surety provisions identified in official search rendering. Partial inspection only; overlap and independent application held. |\n| S_DE-P1-S008 | Delaware General Assembly, original UDMSA enactment, 75 Del. Laws ch. 430. [https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197](https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197&utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Original § 2423A discovered; historical enactment, not substituted for amended current law. |\n| S_DE-P1-S009 | Delaware Business First Steps, Debt Management Service. [https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/](https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) | Official licensing directory located. Supporting agency operational guidance; not a license determination. |\n\nSource distinction: S001 and S006 support the strongest substantive legal findings. S005 is an important unresolved source, particularly for complete regulatory implementation and any current dollar adjustments. No model-act revision has been substituted for Delaware's enacted wording.\n\n## C. Claim-to-evidence register\n\nThe following is the consolidated claim table. Each claim ID remains tied to the assertion in Part A; additional limitations are included here.\n\n| Claim ID | Assertion and exact authority | Status / limitations |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| C001 | Concessions, debt-management services and settlement-fee definitions. S001 §§ 2402A(7), (9), (17) | Verified statutory text; fact-specific intermediary classification |\n| C002 | Delaware residency and remote-provider nexus. S001 §§ 2403A(a)–(b), 2404A(a); S003 | Verified; knowledge at agreement time matters |\n| C003 | No-compensation, professional and institutional exclusions. S001 §§ 2402A(9), 2403A(b)–(c) | Verified categories; application to individual business models requires facts |\n| C004 | Covered providers require Delaware license. S001 § 2404A(a)–(c) | Verified; no named-provider status established |\n| C005 | Application, $2,000 government charge, insurance and accompanying materials. S001 §§ 2405A–2406A; S003 | Statutory amounts verified; current forms and complete rules require further review |\n| C006 | No fees before compliant agreement. S001 § 2423A(a)–(c) | Verified; independently applicable TSR can impose later timing |\n| C007 | Concession-only DMP setup and monthly fee limits. S001 § 2423A(d)(1) | Statutory starting figures verified; current adjusted dollars held |\n| C008 | Principal-reduction settlement aggregate and per-debt ceilings. S001 § 2423A(d)(2), (d)(3), (f) | Verified 18% ceiling and crediting requirement; setup/monthly amounts and complete allocation interpretation held |\n| C009 | No-agreement counseling charge and 90-day refund. S001 § 2423A(d)(4), (e) | Verified baseline; § 2428A(d) exception needs dedicated analysis |\n| C010 | Inflation-adjustment authority and notice. S001 § 2432A(f)–(g) | Mechanism verified; October 2026 adjusted amounts unverified |\n| C011 | Federal debt-relief advance-fee triggers and allocation. S006 § 310.4(a)(5)(i)(A)–(C) | Verified federal text; conditional on TSR coverage |\n| C012 | Three-business-day cancellation, 30-day alternative and emergency waiver. S001 § 2420A(a)–(c) | Verified; actual waiver facts matter |\n| C013 | Custodial and noncustodial termination refunds. S001 §§ 2419A(d)(1), 2422A(h), 2426A(b)–(c) | Verified legal formulas; particular earned-fee amounts and allocation may remain unresolved |\n| C014 | Voidability of unauthorized-fee and unlicensed agreements. S001 § 2425A | Verified; remedies not exhaustively investigated |\n| C015 | Public roster and licensing procedure. S001 § 2404A(c); S002; S004 | Historical roster verified; current provider-specific status held |\n| C016 | Voluntary contributions cannot bypass fee limits. S001 § 2424A | Verified |\n| C017 | Dishonored-payment fee ceiling is the lesser of statutory starting $25 or other applicable law. S001 § 2423A(g) | Verified wording; current adjusted dollar figure held |\n| C018 | Credit-improvement representations can trigger separate federal timing requirements. S006 § 310.4(a)(2) | Verified conditional federal provision; full CROA analysis held |\n| C019 | Separate Delaware credit-services registration may be relevant. S007, §§ 2404–2405 | Potential overlap; not determined for any specific provider |\n\n### Critical distinction: 18% is not an earned-fee schedule\n\nA 15%, 18%, or other contracted fee cannot simply be collected against the entire enrolled portfolio when the first debt settles.\n\nFor a covered telemarketed program, the federal allocation rule must be applied consistently across debts, using the same enrollment balances and contracted total fee, or a consistent savings percentage. Delaware's separate per-debt credits and refund rules must also be satisfied.\n\nThe federal rule does not establish that every fee which is numerically below Delaware's ceiling has become earned or payable.\n\n## D. Bounded worked examples\n\nThese are calculation and classification tests, not approved consumer pricing schedules. Dollar calculations use exact arithmetic and are displayed to two decimal places.\n\n### Example DE-E01 — Lower-debt DMP\n\nAssume three participating creditors remain in a concession-only plan and no principal reduction is contemplated.\n\nStatutory starting monthly ceiling:\n\nmin⁡(3×$10, $50)=$30\\min(3\\times \\$10,\\ \\$50)=\\$30min(3×$10, $50)=$30The nominal setup ceiling is $50, subject to adjustment.\n\nResult: $30 is the statutory starting monthly ceiling for three creditors, not a verified October 2026 adjusted ceiling and not necessarily a presently collectible fee. The agreement, licensing, performance and applicable federal timing conditions must still be satisfied. [C006, C007, C010, C011]\n\n### Example DE-E02 — Principal-reduction aggregate cap\n\nAssume a covered program enrolls two unsecured debts:\n\n| Debt | Principal at enrollment |\n| --- | --- |\n| A | $4,000 |\n| B | $6,000 |\n| Total | $10,000 |\n\nAt the statutory 18% ceiling:\n\n$10,000×0.18=$1,800\\$10,000\\times 0.18=\\$1,800$10,000×0.18=$1,800This is the maximum aggregate amount under that statutory percentage ceiling, before accounting for any stricter applicable restrictions.\n\nAssume, only to test federal proportional allocation, that the lawful contracted total fee is $1,500, or 15% of enrolled principal. No setup or monthly fees have previously been earned or collected.\n\n| Debt | Allocation calculation | Maximum allocated contract fee |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| A | $1,500 × 4,000 / 10,000 | $600 |\n| B | $1,500 × 6,000 / 10,000 | $900 |\n\nIf Debt A settles for $2,000, and the customer makes a payment under the valid settlement agreement, the federal debt-specific performance prerequisites can be satisfied for Debt A. Its allocated contract amount is $600.\n\nResult: $600 is the arithmetic allocation for Debt A, not an unconditional finding that $600 is lawful under every Delaware provision or contract. Debt B's $900 remains unearned under the assumed TSR method until its own applicable conditions occur. [C008, C011]\n\n### Example DE-E03 — Settlement without customer payment\n\nUse the same $4,000 Debt A and $600 allocated fee.\n\nThe creditor agrees to accept $2,000, but the consumer has made no payment pursuant to the settlement agreement.\n\nFederal TSR fee currently collectible:\n\n$0\\$0$0Result: The creditor's agreement alone is insufficient to trigger the federal fee. [C011]\n\n### Example DE-E04 — Prior-fee consistency\n\nAssume the same $10,000 portfolio and $1,500 total contracted fee, with proportional allocation.\n\nSuppose the provider claims $300 in earlier setup or monthly fees.\n\nUnder the assumed covered TSR program, those earlier fees cannot be presumed earned merely because a compliant agreement was signed or one payment was made on a different debt. Their collection history, debt attribution and performance triggers must be demonstrated.\n\nResult: The proposed $300 deduction is held. It is not inserted into a Delaware per-debt calculation until its legal timing, contractual allocation and prior crediting are established. [C006, C008, C011]\n\n### Example DE-E05 — Cancellation and noncustodial termination\n\nAssume a compliant agreement, no valid emergency waiver and a cancellation notice within the ordinary three-business-day window. The consumer has paid $200 to the provider.\n\nUnder the ordinary timely cancellation rule, the statutory notice contemplates refund of all $200.\n\nFor a later termination, assume instead that the provider holds no consumer funds, total qualifying fees associated with the relevant principal are $1,000, and 40% of the principal remains unsettled.\n\nThe statutory 65% formula would produce:\n\n$1,000×0.40×0.65=$260\\$1,000\\times 0.40\\times 0.65=\\$260$1,000×0.40×0.65=$260Result: $260 is an illustrative application of the noncustodial termination formula, provided the $1,000 fee base is actually lawful and properly attributable. It is not a determination that the assumed $1,000 was earned. The timely-cancellation example and later-termination example are distinct legal situations. [C012, C013]\n\n### Example DE-E06 — No-agreement counseling\n\nAssume a provider furnishes qualifying counseling and receives $80, with no debt-management agreement entered at that time.\n\nIf the individual later enters an agreement 45 days after counseling ended:\n\nRefund=$80\\text{Refund}=\\$80Refund=$80The $80 is within the statute's unadjusted $100 starting ceiling, and the 45-day interval falls inside the 90-day refund condition.\n\nResult: The full $80 is subject to refund under § 2423A(e), assuming the charge was otherwise permissible and no relevant exception alters the analysis. [C009, C010]\n\n## E. Component coverage and gap register\n\n| Component | Coverage | Exact outstanding investigation |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Statutory definition and principal-reduction coverage | Answered | Test difficult hybrid and nonintermediary arrangements against actual operations |\n| Consumer versus business-purpose scope | Partial | Determine treatment of natural persons with commercial debts and mixed-purpose obligations |\n| Resident and remote-provider nexus | Answered | Apply knowledge standard to actual onboarding and contracting facts |\n| Professional, institutional and no-fee exemptions | Partial | Examine full Regulation 102 and fact-specific exclusions |\n| Provider licensing authority | Answered | Verify actual applicant identity and authorization separately |\n| Current provider registry | Partial | Obtain authenticated roster current to the relevant transaction date |\n| Application procedure | Partial | Inspect current initial and renewal forms and operative regulatory requirements |\n| DMP fee ceilings | Partial | Locate legally effective inflation-adjustment notices |\n| Principal-reduction setup/monthly fees | Unresolved in detail | Inspect complete operative regulatory fee language and any adjustment or interpretation |\n| Settlement aggregate and per-debt limits | Partial | Resolve allocation and prior-fee crediting for proposed real contracts |\n| State fee timing | Partial | Reconcile statutory agreement prerequisite, fee categories, regulatory text and performance conditions |\n| Federal TSR fee timing | Answered conditionally | Determine coverage/exemptions for each sales channel and service entity |\n| Counseling/no-agreement branch | Partial | Examine § 2428A(d) and any Attorney General higher-fee authorizations |\n| Cancellation and waiver | Answered at statutory level | Later pass to inspect actual forms, waivers and contract execution |\n| Custodial/noncustodial refunds | Partial | Apply statutory formulas to verified fee histories and account records |\n| Dishonored-payment charge | Partial | Verify current adjustment and other applicable law |\n| Voluntary contributions | Answered at statutory level | Test any actual donation or affiliate compensation structure |\n| Delaware credit-services overlap | Unresolved | Complete Chapter 24 registration, definitions, exemptions and fee review |\n| Federal credit-repair overlap | Partial | Complete conditional CROA and TSR credit-repair analysis |\n| Regulations and adoption orders | Unresolved | Retrieve full current 6 Del. Admin. C. 102 and original adoption/amendment orders |\n| Controlling judicial interpretations | Unresolved | Search Delaware appellate and relevant federal decisions on Chapter 24A classifications and fees |\n| Agreement, funds, bond and remedies | Excluded beyond necessary cross-references | Separate required Delaware passes |\n| Collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions and secured debt | Excluded | Separate required Delaware passes |\n| Sector, local, tribal, contracts and full case law | Excluded | Separate required Delaware passes |\n| State dossier acceptance / A066 | Not assessed | No acceptance or publication inference |\n\n### Exact next investigations\n\nThe highest-priority unresolved Delaware evidence is the complete current text of 6 Del. Admin. C. 102, including its fee provisions, adoption history and any inflation-adjustment notices under § 2432A(f)–(g). The official regulatory link was located but did not yield readable substantive text in this pass. The alternate initial URL `https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/100/102.shtml` also failed.\n\nNext, the licensing roster must be checked against the intended legal provider entity and transaction date; the dated April 2025 list cannot establish October 2026 authority. The full statutory language of § 2428A(d), current application and renewal instructions, and any Attorney General fee authorizations need a dedicated verification.\n\nFinally, any proposed pricing model must be tested debt by debt against the exact agreement, prior fees, principal balances, settlement dates, creditor agreements, actual consumer payments and the same consistent TSR allocation method.\n\n## F. Researcher self-check\n\nThis investigation used regular Chat public web retrieval only. It did not use Deep Research, Chrome control, new browser tabs, account permissions, applications, purchases, private borrower data, external contacts or publication actions.\n\nThe official Delaware Chapter 24A codification, Delaware DOJ licensing guidance and relevant federal eCFR provisions were opened and substantively read. The historical provider roster was opened, but not treated as a live licensing verification. The official Delaware regulatory link returned no extractable operative text. No complete current regulatory adoption-order chain, definitive 2026 inflation notice, provider-specific license record or controlling-cases corpus was authenticated.\n\nThis is researcher self-check, not independent legal review. No local files were written, no provider was authorized by this research, and no claim of full Delaware dossier completion or publication readiness is made.\n\nPASS-01 disposition: Delaware's covered debt-management and settlement services have a conditional licensing pathway. Core statutory fee ceilings and federal timing restrictions are identified, but current adjusted dollar limits, complete regulations, individual-provider authorization and operational fee implementation remain open.\n\nEND S_DE PASS-01\n\n","tables":[{"headers":[],"index":0,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Business model","Delaware Chapter 24A classification"],["Negotiating unsecured debts below principal","Covered when the intermediary and other statutory elements are met"],["Negotiating reduced interest or late fees","Covered when those elements are met"],["Collecting and distributing consumer funds under a concession plan","Covered; additional custodial rules apply"],["Negotiating while consumer retains funds","Potentially covered; noncustody is not an exemption"],["Standalone financial education without creditor intermediation","Requires separate classification; not automatically a covered debt-management service"],["Direct creditor negotiating its own debt","Generally outside the intermediary definition; other law remains relevant"],["Business-purpose debt for a nonindividual debtor","Not established as covered by this individual-focused definition; separate classification required"],["Secured-debt negotiations","Not established under the unsecured-creditor definition; other laws remain open"]]},{"headers":[],"index":1,"links":[{"href":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/"},{"href":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/"},{"href":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/"},{"href":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf"},{"href":"https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml"},{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4"},{"href":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html"},{"href":"https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197"},{"href":"https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/"}],"row_links":[[],[{"href":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/"}],[{"href":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/"}],[{"href":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/"}],[{"href":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf"}],[{"href":"https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml"}],[{"href":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4"}],[{"href":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html"}],[{"href":"https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197&utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197"}],[{"href":"https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/?utm_source=chatgpt.com","text":"https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/"}]],"rows":[["Source ID","Issuer, document and literal URL","Pinpoint and verification status"],["S_DE-P1-S001","Delaware General Assembly, current online Title 6, Chapter 24A. https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/","§§ 2402A–2406A, 2417A, 2419A–2428A, 2432A. Official text opened and relevant passages read. Current online codification; complete amendment-by-amendment currency not independently audited."],["S_DE-P1-S002","Delaware DOJ, Debt Management Services Act. https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/","Licensing authority, effective-date statement, forms, roster, certification and accreditation resources. Read. Operational guidance, not independent statutory authorization."],["S_DE-P1-S003","Delaware DOJ, Debt Management Licensing Advisory for Business. https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/","Residency, nonprofit coverage, application requirements and fee disclosures. Read. Agency summary; statute controls."],["S_DE-P1-S004","Delaware DOJ, Licensed Providers, roster dated April 15, 2025. https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf","Three-page official PDF located and opened. Historical roster, not a verified current October 2026 roster."],["S_DE-P1-S005","Delaware Department of Justice regulations, 6 Del. Admin. C. 102. https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml","Official linked route returned zero extracted lines. Not substantively read. Current complete operative regulations and amendments held."],["S_DE-P1-S006","Federal eCFR, 16 CFR § 310.4. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4","§§ 310.4(a)(2), (a)(5)(i)–(ii). Official federal text read, displayed current through October 22, 2026."],["S_DE-P1-S007","Delaware Code, Credit Services Organizations Act, Chapter 24. https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html","Registration, prohibited practices and surety provisions identified in official search rendering. Partial inspection only; overlap and independent application held."],["S_DE-P1-S008","Delaware General Assembly, original UDMSA enactment, 75 Del. Laws ch. 430. https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197","Original § 2423A discovered; historical enactment, not substituted for amended current law."],["S_DE-P1-S009","Delaware Business First Steps, Debt Management Service. https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/","Official licensing directory located. Supporting agency operational guidance; not a license determination."]]},{"headers":[],"index":2,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Claim ID","Assertion and exact authority","Status / limitations"],["C001","Concessions, debt-management services and settlement-fee definitions. S001 §§ 2402A(7), (9), (17)","Verified statutory text; fact-specific intermediary classification"],["C002","Delaware residency and remote-provider nexus. S001 §§ 2403A(a)–(b), 2404A(a); S003","Verified; knowledge at agreement time matters"],["C003","No-compensation, professional and institutional exclusions. S001 §§ 2402A(9), 2403A(b)–(c)","Verified categories; application to individual business models requires facts"],["C004","Covered providers require Delaware license. S001 § 2404A(a)–(c)","Verified; no named-provider status established"],["C005","Application, $2,000 government charge, insurance and accompanying materials. S001 §§ 2405A–2406A; S003","Statutory amounts verified; current forms and complete rules require further review"],["C006","No fees before compliant agreement. S001 § 2423A(a)–(c)","Verified; independently applicable TSR can impose later timing"],["C007","Concession-only DMP setup and monthly fee limits. S001 § 2423A(d)(1)","Statutory starting figures verified; current adjusted dollars held"],["C008","Principal-reduction settlement aggregate and per-debt ceilings. S001 § 2423A(d)(2), (d)(3), (f)","Verified 18% ceiling and crediting requirement; setup/monthly amounts and complete allocation interpretation held"],["C009","No-agreement counseling charge and 90-day refund. S001 § 2423A(d)(4), (e)","Verified baseline; § 2428A(d) exception needs dedicated analysis"],["C010","Inflation-adjustment authority and notice. S001 § 2432A(f)–(g)","Mechanism verified; October 2026 adjusted amounts unverified"],["C011","Federal debt-relief advance-fee triggers and allocation. S006 § 310.4(a)(5)(i)(A)–(C)","Verified federal text; conditional on TSR coverage"],["C012","Three-business-day cancellation, 30-day alternative and emergency waiver. S001 § 2420A(a)–(c)","Verified; actual waiver facts matter"],["C013","Custodial and noncustodial termination refunds. S001 §§ 2419A(d)(1), 2422A(h), 2426A(b)–(c)","Verified legal formulas; particular earned-fee amounts and allocation may remain unresolved"],["C014","Voidability of unauthorized-fee and unlicensed agreements. S001 § 2425A","Verified; remedies not exhaustively investigated"],["C015","Public roster and licensing procedure. S001 § 2404A(c); S002; S004","Historical roster verified; current provider-specific status held"],["C016","Voluntary contributions cannot bypass fee limits. S001 § 2424A","Verified"],["C017","Dishonored-payment fee ceiling is the lesser of statutory starting $25 or other applicable law. S001 § 2423A(g)","Verified wording; current adjusted dollar figure held"],["C018","Credit-improvement representations can trigger separate federal timing requirements. S006 § 310.4(a)(2)","Verified conditional federal provision; full CROA analysis held"],["C019","Separate Delaware credit-services registration may be relevant. S007, §§ 2404–2405","Potential overlap; not determined for any specific provider"]]},{"headers":[],"index":3,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Debt","Principal at enrollment"],["A","$4,000"],["B","$6,000"],["Total","$10,000"]]},{"headers":[],"index":4,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[]],"rows":[["Debt","Allocation calculation","Maximum allocated contract fee"],["A","$1,500 × 4,000 / 10,000","$600"],["B","$1,500 × 6,000 / 10,000","$900"]]},{"headers":[],"index":5,"links":[],"row_links":[[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[],[]],"rows":[["Component","Coverage","Exact outstanding investigation"],["Statutory definition and principal-reduction coverage","Answered","Test difficult hybrid and nonintermediary arrangements against actual operations"],["Consumer versus business-purpose scope","Partial","Determine treatment of natural persons with commercial debts and mixed-purpose obligations"],["Resident and remote-provider nexus","Answered","Apply knowledge standard to actual onboarding and contracting facts"],["Professional, institutional and no-fee exemptions","Partial","Examine full Regulation 102 and fact-specific exclusions"],["Provider licensing authority","Answered","Verify actual applicant identity and authorization separately"],["Current provider registry","Partial","Obtain authenticated roster current to the relevant transaction date"],["Application procedure","Partial","Inspect current initial and renewal forms and operative regulatory requirements"],["DMP fee ceilings","Partial","Locate legally effective inflation-adjustment notices"],["Principal-reduction setup/monthly fees","Unresolved in detail","Inspect complete operative regulatory fee language and any adjustment or interpretation"],["Settlement aggregate and per-debt limits","Partial","Resolve allocation and prior-fee crediting for proposed real contracts"],["State fee timing","Partial","Reconcile statutory agreement prerequisite, fee categories, regulatory text and performance conditions"],["Federal TSR fee timing","Answered conditionally","Determine coverage/exemptions for each sales channel and service entity"],["Counseling/no-agreement branch","Partial","Examine § 2428A(d) and any Attorney General higher-fee authorizations"],["Cancellation and waiver","Answered at statutory level","Later pass to inspect actual forms, waivers and contract execution"],["Custodial/noncustodial refunds","Partial","Apply statutory formulas to verified fee histories and account records"],["Dishonored-payment charge","Partial","Verify current adjustment and other applicable law"],["Voluntary contributions","Answered at statutory level","Test any actual donation or affiliate compensation structure"],["Delaware credit-services overlap","Unresolved","Complete Chapter 24 registration, definitions, exemptions and fee review"],["Federal credit-repair overlap","Partial","Complete conditional CROA and TSR credit-repair analysis"],["Regulations and adoption orders","Unresolved","Retrieve full current 6 Del. Admin. C. 102 and original adoption/amendment orders"],["Controlling judicial interpretations","Unresolved","Search Delaware appellate and relevant federal decisions on Chapter 24A classifications and fees"],["Agreement, funds, bond and remedies","Excluded beyond necessary cross-references","Separate required Delaware passes"],["Collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions and secured debt","Excluded","Separate required Delaware passes"],["Sector, local, tribal, contracts and full case law","Excluded","Separate required Delaware passes"],["State dossier acceptance / A066","Not assessed","No acceptance or publication inference"]]}],"claims":[{"claim_id":"S_DE-C001","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C001","Assertion and exact authority":"Concessions, debt-management services and settlement-fee definitions. S001 §§ 2402A(7), (9), (17)","Status / limitations":"Verified statutory text; fact-specific intermediary classification"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C002","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C002","Assertion and exact authority":"Delaware residency and remote-provider nexus. S001 §§ 2403A(a)–(b), 2404A(a); S003","Status / limitations":"Verified; knowledge at agreement time matters"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C003","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C003","Assertion and exact authority":"No-compensation, professional and institutional exclusions. S001 §§ 2402A(9), 2403A(b)–(c)","Status / limitations":"Verified categories; application to individual business models requires facts"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C004","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C004","Assertion and exact authority":"Covered providers require Delaware license. S001 § 2404A(a)–(c)","Status / limitations":"Verified; no named-provider status established"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C005","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C005","Assertion and exact authority":"Application, $2,000 government charge, insurance and accompanying materials. S001 §§ 2405A–2406A; S003","Status / limitations":"Statutory amounts verified; current forms and complete rules require further review"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C006","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C006","Assertion and exact authority":"No fees before compliant agreement. S001 § 2423A(a)–(c)","Status / limitations":"Verified; independently applicable TSR can impose later timing"},"coordinator_verification_status":"qualified_by_reviewed_later_passes_remaining_legal_holds","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]","coordinator_resolution_passes":["pass-02","pass-03"],"coordinator_resolution_review":"[internal evidence reference]","original_researcher_record_preserved":true},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C007","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C007","Assertion and exact authority":"Concession-only DMP setup and monthly fee limits. S001 § 2423A(d)(1)","Status / limitations":"Statutory starting figures verified; current adjusted dollars held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C008","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C008","Assertion and exact authority":"Principal-reduction settlement aggregate and per-debt ceilings. S001 § 2423A(d)(2), (d)(3), (f)","Status / limitations":"Verified 18% ceiling and crediting requirement; setup/monthly amounts and complete allocation interpretation held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"qualified_by_reviewed_later_passes_remaining_legal_holds","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]","coordinator_resolution_passes":["pass-02","pass-03"],"coordinator_resolution_review":"[internal evidence reference]","original_researcher_record_preserved":true},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C009","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C009","Assertion and exact authority":"No-agreement counseling charge and 90-day refund. S001 § 2423A(d)(4), (e)","Status / limitations":"Verified baseline; § 2428A(d) exception needs dedicated analysis"},"coordinator_verification_status":"qualified_by_reviewed_later_passes_remaining_legal_holds","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]","coordinator_resolution_passes":["pass-02","pass-03"],"coordinator_resolution_review":"[internal evidence reference]","original_researcher_record_preserved":true},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C010","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C010","Assertion and exact authority":"Inflation-adjustment authority and notice. S001 § 2432A(f)–(g)","Status / limitations":"Mechanism verified; October 2026 adjusted amounts unverified"},"coordinator_verification_status":"qualified_by_reviewed_later_passes_remaining_legal_holds","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]","coordinator_resolution_passes":["pass-02","pass-03"],"coordinator_resolution_review":"[internal evidence reference]","original_researcher_record_preserved":true},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C011","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C011","Assertion and exact authority":"Federal debt-relief advance-fee triggers and allocation. S006 § 310.4(a)(5)(i)(A)–(C)","Status / limitations":"Verified federal text; conditional on TSR coverage"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C012","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C012","Assertion and exact authority":"Three-business-day cancellation, 30-day alternative and emergency waiver. S001 § 2420A(a)–(c)","Status / limitations":"Verified; actual waiver facts matter"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C013","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C013","Assertion and exact authority":"Custodial and noncustodial termination refunds. S001 §§ 2419A(d)(1), 2422A(h), 2426A(b)–(c)","Status / limitations":"Verified legal formulas; particular earned-fee amounts and allocation may remain unresolved"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C014","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C014","Assertion and exact authority":"Voidability of unauthorized-fee and unlicensed agreements. S001 § 2425A","Status / limitations":"Verified; remedies not exhaustively investigated"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C015","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C015","Assertion and exact authority":"Public roster and licensing procedure. S001 § 2404A(c); S002; S004","Status / limitations":"Historical roster verified; current provider-specific status held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"qualified_by_reviewed_later_passes_remaining_legal_holds","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]","coordinator_resolution_passes":["pass-02","pass-03"],"coordinator_resolution_review":"[internal evidence reference]","original_researcher_record_preserved":true},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C016","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C016","Assertion and exact authority":"Voluntary contributions cannot bypass fee limits. S001 § 2424A","Status / limitations":"Verified"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C017","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C017","Assertion and exact authority":"Dishonored-payment fee ceiling is the lesser of statutory starting $25 or other applicable law. S001 § 2423A(g)","Status / limitations":"Verified wording; current adjusted dollar figure held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C018","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C018","Assertion and exact authority":"Credit-improvement representations can trigger separate federal timing requirements. S006 § 310.4(a)(2)","Status / limitations":"Verified conditional federal provision; full CROA analysis held"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"claim_id":"S_DE-C019","area_numbers":[66],"area_assignment_method":"task_scope_fallback","researcher_record":{"Claim ID":"C019","Assertion and exact authority":"Separate Delaware credit-services registration may be relevant. S007, §§ 2404–2405","Status / limitations":"Potential overlap; not determined for any specific provider"},"coordinator_verification_status":"scoped_review_completed_with_source_currentness_and_applicability_limits; no_full_clearance","id_normalization":"Unprefixed visible ID qualified by this task; original cell unchanged.","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"sources":[{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S001","urls":["https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/","https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S001","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware General Assembly, current online Title 6, Chapter 24A. https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024a/","Pinpoint and verification status":"§§ 2402A–2406A, 2417A, 2419A–2428A, 2432A. Official text opened and relevant passages read. Current online codification; complete amendment-by-amendment currency not independently audited."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S002","urls":["https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/","https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S002","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware DOJ, Debt Management Services Act. https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debtmanadvisory/","Pinpoint and verification status":"Licensing authority, effective-date statement, forms, roster, certification and accreditation resources. Read. Operational guidance, not independent statutory authorization."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S003","urls":["https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/","https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S003","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware DOJ, Debt Management Licensing Advisory for Business. https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/fraud/cpu/debt-advisory/","Pinpoint and verification status":"Residency, nonprofit coverage, application requirements and fee disclosures. Read. Agency summary; statute controls."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S004","urls":["https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf","https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S004","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware DOJ, Licensed Providers, roster dated April 15, 2025. https://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2025/05/Licensed-Debt-Management-Services-Providers-as-of-4.15.25.pdf","Pinpoint and verification status":"Three-page official PDF located and opened. Historical roster, not a verified current October 2026 roster."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S005","urls":["https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml","https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S005","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware Department of Justice regulations, 6 Del. Admin. C. 102. https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title6/Fraud/100/102.shtml","Pinpoint and verification status":"Official linked route returned zero extracted lines. Not substantively read. Current complete operative regulations and amendments held."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S006","urls":["https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4","https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S006","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Federal eCFR, 16 CFR § 310.4. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-16/chapter-I/subchapter-C/part-310/section-310.4","Pinpoint and verification status":"§§ 310.4(a)(2), (a)(5)(i)–(ii). Official federal text read, displayed current through October 22, 2026."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S007","urls":["https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html","https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S007","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware Code, Credit Services Organizations Act, Chapter 24. https://delcode.delaware.gov/title6/c024/index.html","Pinpoint and verification status":"Registration, prohibited practices and surety provisions identified in official search rendering. Partial inspection only; overlap and independent application held."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S008","urls":["https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197","https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197&utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S008","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware General Assembly, original UDMSA enactment, 75 Del. Laws ch. 430. https://www.legis.delaware.gov/SessionLaws/Chapter?id=17197","Pinpoint and verification status":"Original § 2423A discovered; historical enactment, not substituted for amended current law."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"source_id":"S_DE-P1-S009","urls":["https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/","https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"],"researcher_record":{"Source ID":"S_DE-P1-S009","Issuer, document and literal URL":"Delaware Business First Steps, Debt Management Service. https://firststeps.delaware.gov/debt_management_service/","Pinpoint and verification status":"Official licensing directory located. Supporting agency operational guidance; not a license determination."},"coordinator_verification_status":"see_selected_actual_read_reuse_failed_or_unchecked_scope_in_reviews/S_DE-pass-01-source-checks.json","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"coverage":[{"topic":"Statutory definition and principal-reduction coverage","researcher_record":{"Component":"Statutory definition and principal-reduction coverage","Coverage":"Answered","Exact outstanding investigation":"Test difficult hybrid and nonintermediary arrangements against actual operations"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Consumer versus business-purpose scope","researcher_record":{"Component":"Consumer versus business-purpose scope","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Determine treatment of natural persons with commercial debts and mixed-purpose obligations"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Resident and remote-provider nexus","researcher_record":{"Component":"Resident and remote-provider nexus","Coverage":"Answered","Exact outstanding investigation":"Apply knowledge standard to actual onboarding and contracting facts"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Professional, institutional and no-fee exemptions","researcher_record":{"Component":"Professional, institutional and no-fee exemptions","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Examine full Regulation 102 and fact-specific exclusions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Provider licensing authority","researcher_record":{"Component":"Provider licensing authority","Coverage":"Answered","Exact outstanding investigation":"Verify actual applicant identity and authorization separately"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Current provider registry","researcher_record":{"Component":"Current provider registry","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Obtain authenticated roster current to the relevant transaction date"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Application procedure","researcher_record":{"Component":"Application procedure","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Inspect current initial and renewal forms and operative regulatory requirements"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"DMP fee ceilings","researcher_record":{"Component":"DMP fee ceilings","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Locate legally effective inflation-adjustment notices"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Principal-reduction setup/monthly fees","researcher_record":{"Component":"Principal-reduction setup/monthly fees","Coverage":"Unresolved in detail","Exact outstanding investigation":"Inspect complete operative regulatory fee language and any adjustment or interpretation"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Settlement aggregate and per-debt limits","researcher_record":{"Component":"Settlement aggregate and per-debt limits","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Resolve allocation and prior-fee crediting for proposed real contracts"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"State fee timing","researcher_record":{"Component":"State fee timing","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Reconcile statutory agreement prerequisite, fee categories, regulatory text and performance conditions"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Federal TSR fee timing","researcher_record":{"Component":"Federal TSR fee timing","Coverage":"Answered conditionally","Exact outstanding investigation":"Determine coverage/exemptions for each sales channel and service entity"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Counseling/no-agreement branch","researcher_record":{"Component":"Counseling/no-agreement branch","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Examine § 2428A(d) and any Attorney General higher-fee authorizations"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Cancellation and waiver","researcher_record":{"Component":"Cancellation and waiver","Coverage":"Answered at statutory level","Exact outstanding investigation":"Later pass to inspect actual forms, waivers and contract execution"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Custodial/noncustodial refunds","researcher_record":{"Component":"Custodial/noncustodial refunds","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Apply statutory formulas to verified fee histories and account records"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Dishonored-payment charge","researcher_record":{"Component":"Dishonored-payment charge","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Verify current adjustment and other applicable law"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Voluntary contributions","researcher_record":{"Component":"Voluntary contributions","Coverage":"Answered at statutory level","Exact outstanding investigation":"Test any actual donation or affiliate compensation structure"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Delaware credit-services overlap","researcher_record":{"Component":"Delaware credit-services overlap","Coverage":"Unresolved","Exact outstanding investigation":"Complete Chapter 24 registration, definitions, exemptions and fee review"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Federal credit-repair overlap","researcher_record":{"Component":"Federal credit-repair overlap","Coverage":"Partial","Exact outstanding investigation":"Complete conditional CROA and TSR credit-repair analysis"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Regulations and adoption orders","researcher_record":{"Component":"Regulations and adoption orders","Coverage":"Unresolved","Exact outstanding investigation":"Retrieve full current 6 Del. Admin. C. 102 and original adoption/amendment orders"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Controlling judicial interpretations","researcher_record":{"Component":"Controlling judicial interpretations","Coverage":"Unresolved","Exact outstanding investigation":"Search Delaware appellate and relevant federal decisions on Chapter 24A classifications and fees"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Agreement, funds, bond and remedies","researcher_record":{"Component":"Agreement, funds, bond and remedies","Coverage":"Excluded beyond necessary cross-references","Exact outstanding investigation":"Separate required Delaware passes"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions and secured debt","researcher_record":{"Component":"Collection, litigation, limitations, exemptions and secured debt","Coverage":"Excluded","Exact outstanding investigation":"Separate required Delaware passes"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"Sector, local, tribal, contracts and full case law","researcher_record":{"Component":"Sector, local, tribal, contracts and full case law","Coverage":"Excluded","Exact outstanding investigation":"Separate required Delaware passes"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"},{"topic":"State dossier acceptance / A066","researcher_record":{"Component":"State dossier acceptance / A066","Coverage":"Not assessed","Exact outstanding investigation":"No acceptance or publication inference"},"coordinator_acceptance":"reviewed_partial_with_holds_no_component_or_parent_acceptance","coordinator_review":"[internal evidence reference]"}],"annotations":{},"corrections":[],"resolved_corrections":[],"review_history":[]}