a massive change is coming help!

[2YrsIn]

hi everyone im hoping someone here can help put a smile on my face today.

I gf and i have just discovered she is pregnant (i must stress here we are both very happy, it was a suprise and we always do take precautions)
However reality has just sunk in and i cant see any possible way of financially supporting a child whilst still in an iva -
i am in year 3 now, i moved home again to allow myself to pay more into the arrangment but wll obviosly need to try and rent again should we go ahead with the child, - first problem being i dont think an estate agent will touch me while in an iva,

based on currents iva commitments, rising petrol prices etc i have around 80 a moth spending money - there is no way on earth i can do the right is there?

[joh71262]

Why don't you make an appointment to talk with your IP ? Perhaps they would be able to extend the term of the IVA to 6 six years instead of 5 so that you can adjust your payments.

[aguise]

Hi there 2ys. First and foremost congratulations to you both .My first daughter was unexpected and is wonderful now 30 years old and a mum herself. I have not one regretand it was hard I was young but so worth it.
First person to speak to is your IP and discuss your options.There will be options, possibly a variation to reduce payments, remember I and E will change with a babe,is bankrupcy an option for you, a shame after going three years, but still an option. Your IP will be able to give you the best advice. So far as letting agents I have seen on the forum it can be harder, but not impossible to rent somewhere. Be upfront tell them the situation at the beginning and they will be able to tell you how the land lies.

I am not a technical expert, and this is only my opinion, but this is much more important than money, if you are both happy, it may not be when you would have wanted to become parents, but it doesnt mean you wont manage.
Speak to your IP, look at housing associations, speak to them, speak to to the letting agents.
Hope that helps a bit.
All the very best to you both .

Ang

[MelanieGiles]

Congratulations - you must be so pleased both of you, and it does kind of put things into order of priorities.

The gift of children is so precious, and of far higher importance than dealing with your creditors - although I am sure that there is a way forward with this if you sit and carefully consider your situation. Firstly you will received child benefit at £81 per week, and there may be some entitlement to Child Tax Credit or Working Families Tax Credit, so that is worth exploring.

Do you live together with your girlfriend, and does she intend to give up work for a while or permanently? I have lots of clients who have had families whilst they are in their IVA, and whilst this may initially seem a struggle, perhaps with a reduction in payments or a payment holiday you may be able to manage through. I am sure your IP will be sympathetic, as they probably have children of their own.

[facingittogether]

HI

SORRY I CANNOT GIVE YOU ANY ANY MONEY ADVICE, BUT I JUST WANT TO SAY CONGRATULATIONS!

THE GIFT OF A CHILD IS SO PRECIOUS AND LIKE MELANIE SAYS SO MUCH MORE IMPORTANT THAN WORRYING ABOUT CREDITORS, I AM SURE THERE WILL BE A WAY FORWARD FOR YOU TO GET THROUGH THE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, AM NOT SAYING IT WONT BE HARD, BUT THE JOY YOU WILL BOTH FEEL WHEN YOU SET EYES ON YOUR BUNDLE OF JOY WILL BE PRICELESS!

ALL THE VERY BEST TO BOTH OF YOU

LOVE BARB X

[Beans on Toast]

First and foremost, congratulations [:D]

You cannot put a price on children as others have said, you will be surprised how quickly your last couple of years will go combined with your first years of parenthood.

Don't for a minute think you wont be able to afford to keep a child, it's a lot cheaper when they're younger and by the time your child is ready for school your IVA will be over.

As Melanie says, you will be able to claim child benefits and more than likely working tax credits. For nappies & baby food, this should be adequate.

Personally I would grasp this oppurtunity as a blessing, it's harder being in an IVA with teenagers!

This is something your partner and yourself should discuss openly, I assume she is aware of your position. Joint decisions are the best part of a relationship, you've already created life so nothing else should be a problem.

Wishing you both the very best for the future and whatever decision you make. [:)]

[2YrsIn]

hey everybody thanks for your comments and support so far - yes we are openly discussing it at the moment and i feel sunday will the decision day - i couldnt agree more and i know i would regret it if we took the decision not make a family of us just because of my previous financial mistakes

melanie i live back home at the moment and my gf is moving back to her home in 2 months as her landord is selling - i guess the big one for me is finding us reasonable accomodation and that is worrying me - i have heard bigger deposits can help and my family said they would be willing to help supply 4 or 6 month deposit

[sjw]

congratulations to both of you i know its hard at the moment but in a few years when your debts have all gone your child will still be there and will probably be the main reason you cope with the iva as no matter what happens there nothing more important than family and i hope you have a very happy future.

P.S I KNOW ITS ALWAYS EASILY SAID THAN DONE BUT IM SURE YOUL GET SOME GREAT ADVICE ON HERE AND GOOD LUCK.

[thanna]

Congratulations[:)]dont worry as we have 5 children and cope ok in an iva you;re past the half way mark so dont give up!!!

[Adam Davies]

Hi
You will be able to rent whilst in an IVA,just be upfront with the letting agency and usually a larger deposit,6 months,will be ok.The alternative is to rent from a private landlord as they will not usually credit check.
Good luck and speak with your IP,they will try and help
Regards

[2YrsIn]

hi guys thankyou so much for all your kind words - i'll keep this post active as and when i know whats happening x

steve

[neil277]

Hi
Good news things do change but start to buy nappies now as this does burn a hole in your pocket, your iva will not go away but just think you have something that is so precious money cannot buy.

Stop all worries and check your credit rating estate agencies will work with you as long as you dont have ccj or interim order, my credit rating is 869-1000.

Your IP will have agencies for you to call who deal with our type of problems.

You will understand IVA'S are not realy important when you have a baby and family.

Great News.

Neil

[chris.g]

Just wanted to add my congratulations. What a wonderful bit of news for the forum. There are plenty of people in IVA's with children and I'm sure your IP will advise you of your options to get you through.
I second what Andy says about renting direct from a landlord as it will probably be less hassle and less cash upfront.
Good luck,
xx

[angela18]

ooh I love baby news.. I'm sure you and your girlfriend will be fine.. by the time pregnancy over and baby stage your IVA will be finished!!

Grab it with both hands..

[BECKY]

Congrats!! would it be possible for you to get on the council housing list now your gf is pregnant . I know there are huge waiting lists but the fact she is pregnant will give you some more points and it works out quite a bit cheaper than privately renting.