IVA – Write Off Debt With A Government Backed Solution

If your debt has grown beyond your control, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement, or IVA, could be the solution that saves you from bankruptcy. While there are advantages with an IVA, there are many disadvantages as well, so it’s best to investigate all of your options carefully before deciding on a plan.

To enter into an IVA, you must owe creditors at least £15,000. You must also have an income that allows you to contribute monthly to your debt after any essential bills have been paid. Without this ability, bankruptcy may be your only option. You must use an insolvency practitioner to arrange the IVA with your creditors, but the plan can give your up to 60 months to repay your debt.

An insolvency practitioner will set up a meeting with your creditors and devise a plan for the repayment of your debt. Often, an insolvency practitioner can convince your creditors to accept a plan that erases up to three quarters of your debt. For the agreement to become binding, more than 75% of your creditors must agree to the plan. The first proposal is usually declined, and the practitioner will have to find a solution that the creditors will accept. Upon approval, you will then make a monthly payment to be divided amongst the creditors, with a portion going to pay the insolvency practitioner’s fee.

The advantages of an IVA can be numerous. During an IVA, you are not in danger of losing your home, your amount of debt can be significantly reduced, interest charges are stopped, and the fees associated with an IVA are usually much less than those incurred by bankruptcy. The monthly payments you make will be based on your income, and change with your income as well. IVA’s also have less stigma than a bankruptcy, though both stay on a credit file for six years. With an IVA, the debtor is not prohibited from obtaining credit during the process.

Although less costly than bankruptcy, compared to other debt solutions, an IVA can be expensive. Insolvency practitioner fees are high. If you choose this method, be prepared to have your finances closely scrutinized for the duration, and be prepared to explain any income anomalies to the insolvency practitioner. Also, be prepared to hand over an extra money that comes your way during the agreement, like pay bonuses or inheritances. If you should fail to meet the IVA terms, you may be left with bankruptcy as your only alternative.