Money Advice Direct
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An IVA is an Individual Voluntary Arrangement. It is a legally binding agreement, ratified by the Courts, which is normally run over a 5 year term.
There are specific criteria to be met to enter into an IVA, such as value of assets, level of surplus income, creditors that you owe to and more.
You should contact a Debt Advisor who can arrange for you to go through an assessment. This would determine whether an IVA is an option for you to consider.
Most Creditors would look for at least a certain percentage of their debt to be repaid over the 5 year agreement. You would need to demonstrate that the surplus you can offer is sufficient for the unsecured creditors to accept in an IVA.
If you own an asset, such as a house, any equity would be taken into account and this may have to be released for the benefit of the creditors.
Jane and Steve live in family rented accommodation. Jane has debts of £14,205 and Steve owes 12000. None of the debts are in joint names.
They fell into arrears with their loans and credit cards when Jane lost her job. She was out of work for 8 months and they relied on credit until she found a new job.
Now the income situation has improved but they are unable to maintain contractual payments and are now facing legal action from several collection companies.
They contacted Money Advice Direct who arranged a financial assessment. The couple were offered the option of an IVA each over a 5 year term or a Debt Management Plan over at least 8 years. Steve felt that they needed the assurance of having interest and charges stopped, and that there would be no risk of court action, providing they kept to the terms, and so they opted for the IVA.
They have now been in their IVAs for the last 19 months.
If you would like more information please contact us Money Advice Direct on 0800 074 6918 or fill in our form by clicking here . If you are unsure as to whether an Debt Relief Order is the best way to solve your debt problems please call us on 0800 074 6918.
If you wish to discuss the Debt Relief Order procedure and understand how it can help you please complete the following form or telephone freephone 0800 074 6918.