IVA FAQ – Clarify All the Doubts
There are many questions that would be often preying on the minds of debtors. Before deciding to opt for an IVA, it is advisable to get all the information about IVA beforehand. Read on to find out the IVA FAQ:
1. What is an IVA?
An IVA (also known as an Individual Voluntary Arrangement) is a legally binding debt repayment agreement between an individual in debt (debtor) and the people he or she owes money to (creditors). It was introduced by the government as part of the Insolvency Act 1986 as an alternative to bankruptcy.
A standard IVA will offer to pay whatever the debtor can afford to contribute each month into a fund, over a five year period. The amount that is repaid via an IVA is usually less than the total debt but is accepted as a final settlement by the creditors.
2. How Long Does an IVA Last?
An IVA normally lasts for five years, however it is also possible to complete an IVA in a shorter period, especially if it is possible to produce a partial lump sum.
3. How Much Does an IVA Cost?
When debtors propose an IVA to their creditors, they offer to re-pay a percentage of the debt via monthly installments. The sum suggested is based on what the debtor can afford to pay.
This means that the monthly debt re-payments vary on a case-by-case basis. They depend on what assets the debtors have and how much money they have available after their living expenses have been deducted from their monthly income.
However, there does tend to be a minimum amount that creditors will accept as part of the IVA proposal. An IVA is usually rejected if it offers to pay the creditors less than 20-25% of what they were originally owed.
4. What Happens When an IVA Has Been Completed?
At the end of the IVA process the supervisor will give you a "Statement of Completion", normally within t hree months of the final payment. A copy of this will also be sent to the Insolvency Service for their records.
The IVA FAQ information will guide you to take a sound decision while opting for an IVA.
These are some of the frequently asked questions about IVA. |