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IVA Advice By Mike Curry

An IVA (individual voluntary arrangement) is an alternative to bankruptcy introduced by the government as part of the Insolvency Act 1986. This article provides an overview of IVAs and suggests what readers should watch out for when looking for IVA advice.

What Is An IVA

An IVA is an alternative to bankruptcy introduced by the Insolvency Act of 1986. It enables individuals facing serious debt problems to make a proposal to their creditors to reach a settlement. If the proposal is approved by a majority of the creditors, then the IVA acts as a contract that binds all parties and prevents any further action. A standard IVA will offer to pay whatever the debtor can afford each month into a fund over a five year period, until the debt is cleared. With an IVA:

  • Interest on the loan is frozen
  • Legal proceedings are stopped
  • The overall debt is reduced

Why Is It Important To Get Good IVA Advice

When considering an IVA its vital to get the best advice possible, and to work with an organisation that is both professional and independent. By getting unbiased advice you can be sure that you are making the right decisions and can be confident about the choices that you make. Good IVA advice is also important because signing up to an IVA can involve a commitment of up to five years, so its important that you understand what youre getting into.

What To Watch Out For When Looking For IVA Advice

There are some companies who may try to convince you to sign up to an IVA even if its not appropriate for you. Furthermore, some organisations offer IVA services but because they dont specialise in them, they may not actually be the best people to take advice from.

What You Should Check For When Looking For IVA Advice

  • That the IVA advice youre being offered is impartial
  • IVA Advice should take into account the perspectives of both the debtor and the creditors.
  • IVA advice should be compliant with appropriate licensing and regulation
  • Advisors should have IVA and debt management experience
  • All IVA advice and supervision processes and systems should be defined and governed by experienced professionals.


Mike Curry runs a free IVA advice line called Clear Start, to help people facing serious debt to regain control of their financial situation. For further information please visit http://www.clearstart.org or telephone freephone 0800 138 5445.




See Also:

Individual Voluntary Arrangements. IVA
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Going Bankrupt in the World
It all starts by defaulting on an obligation: Money owed to creditors or to suppliers is not paid on time, interest payments due on bank loans or on corporate bonds issued to the public are withheld. It may be a temporary problem - or a permanent one.As time goes by, the creditors gear up and ... more...

Bankruptcy Information - Common Courtroom Terms
Bankruptcy- Bankruptcy Terminology, 45 Terms to Know and UnderstandMany debtors and creditors know little of the bankruptcy process. These terms are to help assist individuals in understanding bankruptcy. The terms provided are as defined from the Public Information Series of the Bankruptcy Judges ... more...

Bankruptcy, Is It A Way Out
Negotiations with creditors have failed. Repossession is imminent and foreclosure proceedings have begun. Your income is simply not sufficient to pay your bills, no matter how low the payments are. It may be time to consider bankruptcy.Bankruptcy law evolved as a reaction to the abuses surrounding ... more...


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