Financial problems come in many forms, shapes and sizes and often arise through no fault of your own. Maybe you’ve been let down by someone who owes you money. Maybe you have fallen victim to the economic downturn and lost your job or had essential overtime cut. Health reasons, domestic situations, family circumstances can all come in to play and cause all manner of difficulties.
If you have financial problems then take consolation from the fact that you are far from alone. Figures reveal that as many as 1000 people a day are seeking some form of IVA help or formal debt rescheduling plan.
One of the most flexible options for dealing with debt, an IVA (or the Scottish equivalent the Protected Trust Deed) is often a preferable alternative to bankruptcy for those in serious debt. For example, an IVA or Protected Trust Deed is more flexible, helps you avoid the restrictions of bankruptcy and protects your assets unlike bankruptcy.
In setting up an IVA you need to organise a legally binding timetable with your creditors in which to clear your debts, usually over a period of 5 years. At the end of the period, as long as the agreed percentage (usually somewhere around 50% of their original debt) has been made, any outstanding debt may be written off.
In order to qualify, you will need to meet the following requirements:
• You must have at least £15,000 of unsecured debt
• You must be able to pay at least £200 a month into the IVA
• You need to owe money to three or more. creditors.
• You need to have a regular income
Though an IVA can be an effective way of avoiding bankruptcy if you fail to maintain payments or default on the arrangement you may end up being declared bankrupt.
IVAs have been around for a while now so these days IVA help is plentiful and professional. If you think an IVA could help then seek advice. Make sure though that you take the necessary professional and independent advice before committing.
Tags: Bankruptcy, debt help, iva, iva help, protected trust deeds