What is an IVA?
An IVA is a legally binding agreement between you and your creditors to pay back all or part of your debts. An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) freezes interest and charges allowing you to pay your creditors back over a set period.
You can apply for an IVA if you can afford to pay something towards your debts but not necessarily the full amount your creditors want.
The IVA is set up by a qualified Insolvency Practitioner who will work with you to put together a proposal and ask your creditors for approval. If approved the Insolvency Practitioner will supervise the implementation of the IVA and work with you towards successful completion. Upon successful completion of the IVA any money you still owe will be written off
What debts can be included in and IVA?
You can include many common debts in an IVA, including (but not exclusively):
· Overdrafts
· Personal loans
· Catalogue debts
· Council Tax arrears
· Hire purchase debts
· Mortgage shortfalls
· Credit and Store Cards
· Benefit Overpayments
· Money you owe to HMRC, such as Income Tax or National Insurance contributions.
Is an IVA right for me?
An IVA can be an effective way of managing your debts however, you must meet certain criteria to be eligible:
· Have £7,000 or more of unsecured debt
· Owe money to two or more creditors
· Live in England or Wales
· Have a steady income and consistently be able to make at payment of at least £120 per month
If you believe the above applies to your situation and you think an IVA may be an appropriate option for you then complete the below questionnaire and our dedicated team will contact, you to assess your suitability. More information about an IVA can be found here What is an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)?
Other Debt Solutions
Debt Management Plan (DMP)
A DMP is an informal agreement between you and your creditors to repay all your debts. You make regular payments to a debt management company, who share your payments out between your creditors, after deducting their fees. However, some charities provide debt management plans and can do this for you free of charge.
A DMP offers no legal protection and therefore your creditors could take legal action to recover their debts, despite the plan being in place. You must pay your creditors in full, which means the length of time required to repay the debts can be of considerable length.
Debt Relief Order (DRO)
A DRO is a formal debt solution, which is designed for individuals with low income and little in the way of assets.
You can apply for a DRO if:
· you owe less than £50,000 and you will be able to keep any motor vehicles worth up to £4,000.
· you don’t own things of value or have savings over £2,000
· you do not have enough money to make your debt repayments after paying your household bills
· you’ve lived or worked in England and Wales within the last 3 years.
If you have a change in circumstance that improves your position within 12 months of the DRO being made it could be cancelled.
Bankruptcy
This is a formal insolvency route for people who are not able to meet their liabilities as they fall due. To declare yourself bankrupt you can apply online which costs £680. This can be paid in instalments, but the Bankruptcy Order would not be made until you have paid the cost in full.
Creditors can no longer pursue you for your unsecured debts and you no longer have to deal directly with creditors, with interest and charges being frozen and you may be discharged in 12 months.
Bankruptcy can involve some uncertainty if you own your own home or have other assets of high value.