IVA Key Advice

06/10/2021
IVA Key Advice

Before applying for an IVA it is important that you remember the following key advice.

Other Debt Solutions might be suitable for you

An IVA is not the only debt solution which might be suitable to resolve your debt problem. Before making your final decision to apply you should also consider the other available debt solution options.

IVA payments last for 5-6 years

You will need to make payments towards your debts based on your disposable income. These will normally last for 5-6 years unless you settle early with a cash lump sum or use a Lump Sum Payment agreement. After your payments are completed any unpaid debt included in the Arrangement is written off.

Payment of your Priority Debts – Advice

Only unsecured debts which are included in an IVA will be discharged after the arrangement is completed. Secured debts such as a Mortgage are not included. The payment towards these must be maintained. If you do not you will risk the asset that the debt is secured against being repossessed.

You must also maintain payments towards your other priority debts such as rent, fines, child support payments and utility bills. If possible you should continue to pay any CCJ debts until your IVA is accepted.

Your credit rating will be negatively affected for 6 years

An IVA will negatively affect your credit rating. A record of the Arrangement will remain on your credit file for 6 years from the date the Arrangement starts. During this time and possibly for some time afterwards your ability to get new credit, a new mortgage or other financial services will be seriously affected.

Your Details will be included in a Public Register

Once you start an IVA your name, date of birth and address will be added to the Insolvency Register. This register is publically accessible and via the internet. As such anyone could discover that you have started the Arrangement if they search for you on the register. Once your IVA is completed and you have your Completion Certificate your name and details will be taken off the register.

Your living expenditure will be restricted

During your IVA you will be required to live within a restricted living expenses budget. You will have to pay all of your surplus income into the Arrangement. If your income increases your payments may also increase for the remainder of the Arrangement.

Home equity may have to be released

If you are a home owner you will have to try to release equity from your property in the last year of your IVA. This can be done either by re-mortgaging or taking a secured loan. Where equity is available but you are unable to obtain a re-mortgage or secured loan then your payments will be extended for 12 months.

Your IVA may not be accepted

The creditors you include in your IVA are not obliged to accept your proposal. It will only be accepted if 75% in value of the creditors who vote on the proposal agree to it. If your IVA is not agreed you will remain liable for your debts.

What if you do not maintain your IVA payments?

If you start an IVA but do not keep up your agreed payments then it is likely to fail unless a revised payment schedule can be agreed. If the Arrangement fails it is likely that you will lose all the money that you paid into it and your debts will remain outstanding. It is also possible that your creditors will petition for your Bankruptcy.