HiI am new here, found this site

[ScottRightman]

Hi

I am new here, found this site whilst trying to find a solution to my debt mess! Hoping I may get some advice here.
Basically I am around £28,000 in debt with various credit cards and loans.I have buried my head in the sand for far too long and unfort I am now in a total mess. I am currently living with my parents and I really really dont want them to know of my financial problems as I know it will only make them ill. My wages are dropping and rent/bills increasing. Is it possible to enter into an IVA and it remain private from those you live with?

Any help would be very welcome

[kallis3]

Hi Scott, and welcome to the forum.

First of all, well done for recognising you have a problem and wanting to do something about it.

You don't have to tell anyone that you are in an IVA. It is not published in the paper. It will appear on the Insolvency Register, but unless you know what you are looking for, it's unlikely anyone would see it.

I recommend that you call one or two Insolvency Practitioners for advice. You can visit www.iva.com for a list of companies, or click on the expert link on the left hand side of the page here. The IP's listed on there come highly recommended.

Give one or two a ring and they will disuss all the options open to you and advise as to the best way forward for you.

[stressed1]

Hi Scott, you are in a similar position to myself. I moved in with family a couple of months ago when beginning the IVA process.
None of my family or friends know of the situation, and they do not need to.
Definately speak to an IP regarding your situation- the situation can be quite daunting especially if you cant discuss it with your nearest and dearest.
But anytime I need a chat- I get on here. eceryone has been in the same boat and more importantly having been there can actually relate to how you feel

[soreloser]

Hi Scott,

If you complete the free debt analyser on this site, then someone from IVA.com will usually give some initial help - Susan did for me at first before I looked to sign up with anyone - she was really helpful.

Good luck

[ScottRightman]

Thanks loads for the replies, I have been reading through some old posts and already I feel so much better. Just having people to discuss things with is already a help. I am more concerned about family knowing than anyone else, due to parents health etc.
Also may seem like a stupid question but I am currently in the process of getting together statments and loan documents so I have everything in order, ready to begin with an application but I am just wondering how (if like myself) you prove how much rent you are paying and bills if you do not have an rental agreement?

[size5]

If you pay them by direct debit then a bank statement will prove the amount but the originals would obviously be preferable.

Regards.

[stressed1]

I havent been asked to prove my outgoings while putting the proposal together- but if I am accepted they will want to see bank statments etc at review times.
I pay family by standing order anyway- and make cash contributions towards bills and my ip was happy with that

[ScottRightman]

Up until recently I have been paying rent and bills in cash as I have had to gather the money from different sources, robbing peter to pay paul really. I realise now that to prove my rent in the future I will have to set up a standing order.
Does the IVA application process invole alot of meetings or can alot of it be arranged over the phone/post etc? I am trying to think ahead as time away from work isnt always an easy option for me.

[kallis3]

Unless you are self employed, you do not have to have any face-to-face meetings. It can all be done by phone and post.

You will need to have a few phone calls though, so probably best to do them from a mobile if you don't want anyone to find out.

[ScottRightman]

Thanks so much for all the advice, very glad I found this site.

[kallis3]

We're here most times for any advice or support you need. Keep posting and let us know how you are getting on.

[size5]

Silly o'clock for a lot of posters on here as well Scott so don't be afraid to post on an issue/concern even if it is later on in the evening or night, it won't be long until someone comes back to you.

Regardsd

[stressed1]

Everybodys situation is different scott, and some proposals run more smoothly than others.
I joined the site and found an ip in october and my creditors meeting is on feb 10th- but I know someone else who started the procedure at the same time as me and had there IVA approved just before xmas,.
Although you do not have to have a face to face meeting I chose to do so- at the end of the day you are going to be having contact with your IP for the next 5 years so you want the best relationship you can possibly get.
Although I am only at the start of the process there are already aspects I would have done differently- finding the right IP being the main one. I like most was in a panic and went with the first person who could 'solve my problems'- I have had a few worries lately and raised these with the IP to be told 'they are extremely busy and have many clients and the situation is just as hard for them'
I very much doubt my IP was as upset as me this last weekend- I have also already paid money to the IVA which they can keep as fees- otherwise I would likely tell them to 'do one'
be very thorough and go for someone on this site who is recomended- even if its a bit inconvenient geographically.....it will make a huge difference