Hi All
New to this and quite frankly feeling pretty terrified. We are looking to enter and IVA (have around £32k debt) I am having trouble deciding what to do for best, feels like such a huge step. Thought we had decided on company called Churchwood Finance, but have now read a few negative reviews. Anyone out there who was in similar position now on an IVA who can offer any advice?
Thanks!
AM
Wake each day with a renewed hope, surely it got to get better..
Its a big decision and one you need to be 100% sure of.
If you have a look at www.iva.com you will find a list of IVA providers and reviews on each.
Give 2 or 3 a call for some free advice.
A second or 3rd opinion never hurts and should help you decide exactly which way you want to go and with who.
I would speak to one or two other firms before making a final decision.
Visit www.iva.com for a list of companies and review. Give one or two a ring and you will receive free and impartial advice which will enable you to make a decision.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Hi there,
I can't really offer you much advice as we are in the same situation as you really. I did call churchwood first but then spoke to a friend in the buisness and we are now using freeman jones...so far so good.
Churchwood offered us a DMP that would take about 15 years to pay off.......needles to say how sick that made me feel!
Good Luck.
IVA STARTED OCT 2010,LAST PAYMENT 18TH NOVEMBER 2016. COMPLETION CERTIFICATE ARRIVED 17TH DECEMBER 2016.
WE ARE DONE
Hi we have only just started the process of doing the IVA, paperwork gathering at the moment.
I know what you mean about feeling sick with worry, I spent most of last week in actual stomache pain worrying about it all. The people I've gone with are Melanie Giles team, and they are fantastic. So many people on here are with them, and recommend very very highly.
There are a few other good ones I believe.
Our debt is also £31k. If you have the required number of creditors then I would go for it.
My sister has just finished her 5 years and got her cert of completion last week. She posts on here and has given me a lot of help and advice, but when she's not around the great people on here are.
Gonna need them this week with Lil Sis flying off in the morning. Jan, apparantly they are expected to have Thunder and storms on Thursday (first day there. LOL !!
Hi, it's natural to be nervous and have 101 other emotions through the proposal and acceptance stages. You are doing so much to change your lifestyle so you need to be 100% sure of your decisions. So definitely take advice from a couple of companies and keep coming back with any questions. The experts and old hands are great!
If it doesn't feel right, then it probably isn't. Most good IP firms can act quickly if an IVA has been started with another firm but you wish to withdraw instructions, but you will need to see all of your documentation returned promptly.
Churchwood Finance provide only DMP's so if you are using them then you will be on a DMP. I am aware that they have an Insolvency arm, Kingsgate, who look at IVA's also. It may be that they are proposaing to look at a DMP first, followed by a possible IVA. Nothing wrong with that, if it is appropriate. Do you know of any reason why that may possibly be the case? If not, and there is no obvious bar to looking at IVA without the need for DMP first, then you may wish to take a couple more opinions.
Regards.
Cert DR
23+ years in debt advice
I do not post for anyone other than myself
Just make sure that you are not going to be a victim of "flipping" from a DMP to an IVA which a lot of firms are still involved with who provide both IVA and DMP services. This is a particular pet hate of the OFT and creditors at this time.
Hi All
Thanks for all your messages and encouragement.I think the feeling we have is that we need to do something NOW as the longer we wait, the worse our situation is getting, but I think all your advice about getting more opinions is vital. Any fears I had about Churchwood have been exacerbated.. especially when they left a voice mail on my phone by accident and I could hear a girl in the call centre talking about the targets they had to meet and the amount of rejections they have had lately!I will be getting my husband to call Melanie this afternoon. Just reading her site makes things seem a little clearer and its all explained in understandable English! Will keep you posted with how we get on.
Thanks
Anne-Marie
Wake each day with a renewed hope, surely it got to get better..
You've picked a good firm. Any questions just ask us and Mel posts on here most days to answer any questions.
Sharing from experiences of dealing with debt
The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.
Bob Marley. http://kallis3.blogs.iva.co.uk
Melanie - what's flipping and what benefit do companies get from doing this? Is there any instance when it would be beneficial to the customer? I've been in an IVA all along but I'm curious.
Hi All
Just been on the phone going through everything with Tina, one of Melanies team. Can't tell you the difference in the feeling I had coming off the phone from her than I did with Churchwood! 1000 times more professional and much more indepth. Have decided to go with Mels team and whilst I am still terrified, an itsy weeny bit of me feels relieved and actaully hopeful at the prospect of getting it all sorted. I know its gonna be a tough road a head and I reckon you aint heard the last of me yet!
Wake each day with a renewed hope, surely it got to get better..
