A substitute for people looking to steer clear of bankruptcy is an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA); it is an agreement with the creditors of a person seeking to keep up with their debts but, because of changes in their financial situation, can no longer make the previously agreed repayments.

The circumstances of the individual’s are considered in making the agreement and are flexible based on a mix of capital, income and other payments. For an IVA to go ahead, creditors will make a decision via a vote which must see over 75% agreement.

An IVA, although not mutually exclusive, can be used as an alternative to bankruptcy. A person can apply for an IVA which requires approval and a Court annulment of the bankruptcy order if they have filed for and been made bankrupt.

The advantages and disadvantages of an IVA are dependant on the circumstances of the individual debtor, professional advice is usually sought to decide upon the best option. An IVA will not automatically restrict the debtor from obtaining credit but a proposal usually will.

With an IVA, unlike with bankruptcy, an individual will not have to reveal anything, but some lenders will typically ask. An IVA will not be viewed as bad as bankruptcy by creditors as it shows a commitment to repayment nevertheless the existence of an IVA in the first place would suggest poor credit on behalf of the debtor and both will stay on the individual’s credit file for 6 years.

Once an IVA proposal has been agreed, a creditor is restricted by the decision and cannot take any enforcement action to recover the debt. In contrast to bankruptcy, an IVA proposal won’t often include the property of a debtor or in some cases the creditor may suggest a re-mortgage or offer a degree of income based contributions because of the debtor’s equitable interest in the property.

Are you struggling to afford you debt repayments, then visit The Debt Advisor to see if you could qualify for anIndividual Voluntary Agreement.

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