Who to Use for IVA

bigfatmonkey1

it looks like an IVA is a option for my current problems however i have no idea who to chose, you search google and hundreds of companies come up, i don't know can they all be trusted are they all the same? can any one recommend anyone ?

judojub

Hi bigfatmonkey
You might want to phone one of the following first (if you haven't already done so). They will go through your situation with you and make you aware of your options and their various pros and cons.

• Consumer Credit Counselling Service: Full debt help service. Link: CCCS Tel: 0800 138 1111 Opening times: M-F 8am-8pm
• National Debtline: Full debt help service. Link: National Debtline Tel: 0808 808 4000 Opening times: M-F 9am-9pm, Sa 9.30am-1pm
• Citizens Advice Bureau: Full debt and consumer advice service. Link: Citizens Advice or visit your local CAB centre (find nearest) Opening times: different for each bureau

If you do wish to speak to a couple of IVA firms then might I suggest this site https://www.iva.com. There are a list of reputable companies on there (along with reviews). Give two or three of them a ring for some free and impartial advice.
Hope that helps

the_bright_side

Melanie Giles = brilliant

althas

Have a look at www.IVA.com

They have reviews of all the companies made and scorred by the clients. So you should get a good idea of their reputability

Though I must also vote for Melanie Giles, she is who I went with

But select a few from iva.com and ring them for a chat to get a feel. You HAVE to be comfortable with them, after all if the IVA is accepted you WILL be dealing with them for at least 5 years

broker

I've heard payplan are good and won't charge you a fee. Same with CCCS although I've heard they can be a bit harsh with the income and expenditure.

Most of the companies that come up on a google search will put you in a debt management plan for 1-3 months and keep your monthly payments as set up costs with no guarantee your IVA will go through. This means your creditors get no money for 1-3 months so will be on your back.

Use a free service and avoid the costs. If your IVA fails then they also offer debt management at no monthly fee whereas most companies will charge you min £20 and usually about 15-20% of the monthly payment.

FavDaughter1

hi, don't go with anyone who wants up front fee's. the fee's should come out of "the pot" of money you pay each month.

we went with Melanie Giles,IVA accepted in Feb this yr. without her help we'd have had to go BR. our first call was with Tina who was lovely,very easy to talk to,very calm.

get a basic bank account- we went with co op.

post who you choose,people will give feedback,good luck x