www.iva.co.uk

Hi,i have just had the paperwork through from Baines and ernst for an iva.
I have read some bad reviews about blair endersby which has worried me! anyone have any experience of them or advice?
can anyone recommend any good iva companies please?

Hi, and welcome to the forum. My advice is "shop around". I spoke to 6-7 companies. Very nearly went with Cleardebt , but opted for RE10 in the end. I have found them to be very helpful, understanding and professional throughout. Look on IVA.com website for recommendations. The experts on here also are highly recommended, Melanie, Debt free Direct. It really comes down to your own personal decision. Just avoid the cowboys who want upfront fees and are not there to help but just fleece you for money. CCCS and IVA advisory service also good bets. Good luck

Hi Claire and welcome to the forum, www.iva.com is a good starting point, there you will find a list of companies and some reviews of these. Do contact at least 2 or 3 to ensure you receive impartial free advice in respect of all debt solutions.

Thank you for your reply!
I used Baines and Ernst a long time ago for a dmp and never had a problem with them then.I have read reviews on several companies and all are mixed reviews so just feeling a little confused at the moment.
We decided on Monday we were going to seek help after contacting the bank and being told they couldn't help! it feels a relief to know we are finally doing something about it but i am also terrified at the same time

Claire I am in the same position as you, really dont know who to go with and it is such a big decision so hard to find any independant advice too [:(]

It is a difficult decision! I am finding it hard to find a company that don't charge up front fees too.I was quite happy with going with B&e until i read some of the reviews.
Who have you contacted if you don't mind me asking?

I have spoken to Vincent Bond they have been really great over the phone but just worried about the upfront fees. I can seem to find anywhere where you can get independant advice on different companys can you?

No not really.I have been quoted upfront fees and i am almost sure i want to go ahead but am having last minute nerves i think!
Currently my credit rating is fine and no bills are late etc but it's time to do something as it's getting too much for us now.I have been advised to stop paying now and it's getting scary!

I think there are several recommendation posts on the forum if you search for old posts, I'm personally with Melanie and find her and her company to be totally professional, contactable which is very important and non-judgemental. You will know when you've found the right company, talk to as many as you need until you feel comfortable as 60 months is a long journey.

never again - visit the link that Lesley posted above. There are lots of companies on there and the advice is free and impartial.

I too am with melanie giles and am so glad I did, she and her team are so so friendly and non judgmental. It actually feels like I'm talking to family, and with my sis on here its great all round.

You will get independent advice by contacting any firm of insolvency practitioners - we have to provide information about all debt solutions and it is then down to you which one best suits your circumstances.

Please make sure that you are totally happy with the company you use, five years is a long time.

All the experts on here come highly recommended.

I have spoken to another company (debt free direct) just now.Advice was much better,they quoted me same repayments as B&e but with no upfront fees!!!!!!!!!!
I have decided to go with them instead

Never again - have you spoken to anyone else yet? i feel much happier on the advice i have been given today and glad i'm not paying £750 upfront!!

Thank you for all your advice so far.
I'm sure i will be back again asking lots more!

Glad to hear Claire. Well done. Take each day as it comes and don't look too much into the future. There will be low days and minor mishaps along the way. But I have to say, this forum is a lifeline. You will never feel alone. Any queries just bump them up on here and you'll get the help. There are so many people on here in the same position and at the same stage as yourself