I have 4 Bad charges on my credit report. Most are from a divorce.

I have read several of your blogs and very pleased with all the information I have gotten.
But I am still uncertain and unclear on how to manage my credit from the start.
I have 4 Bad charges on my credit report. Most are from a divorce and are still coming after me. I am however going to pay them in full but would like to consult with you and see if I am doing this correctly.
One is from a collection agency that has nothing else on my report from them. I am ready to send a validation letter to them is this the first correct step. This one is old since about 2003.
And do I send validation letters before I negotiate with the companies to pay them have them removed from my account?
I will be paying them all in full but I am trying to make sure I am taking the right steps to help myself out.
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yes you are right on target
i guess i should say
you might dispute them with bureaus first for the fun of itthe validate and make them provide you personal info. do not prived it for them.state name and account number maybethen negotiate to have the account removed if you pay in fullthey can do it but may not