www.iva.co.uk

So it all starts here.....

I've spoken to Tina S, wonderfully random working hours and all. I've pulled together an Income and Expenditure breakdown. An IVA looks to be the way forward.

I've been allocated a case administrator at Melanie Giles, who hopeully I'll be speaking to soon.

Now for the scary stuff!! I've started to cancel the DD's for my creditors, and sent them a "Sorry" letter. I've spoken to my mortgage people, and getting a five year fixed deal, which should see me through.

However, that nagging voice at the back of ones head saying "it could go wrong / it could be rejected" won't shut up. What to do for the best!! I know there is a chance of this happening, which doesn't sooth the thinking. I have Z0PA as a creditor, I've never seen much about them.

So to summerise, a nervous time awaits.

I may start a blog to record this bobbins. Someone might find it interesting!

Don't worry Homershairdo - these feelings are quite normal and Melanie doesn't do the 'F' word so you should have no worries. She wouldn't be putting it forward if she didn't think it would get accepted.

Good news on the mortgage front. Unfortunately you will start getting letters and calls from creditors but just don't let them bully you and please come on here for help and advice about them at any time.

Please do start a blog - most of us have found it very therapeutic.

Good luck homer, I was in the same nervous/scared position almost 2 years ago and can't believe how fast time has flown. Sure Mel will get it approved for you, she is known not to take cases that she thinks are not workable.

Hope you managed to resolve something regarding you wifes involvement. I will be reading your blog with interest.

It is very good to have you on board Homer - and I shall look forward to speaking to you personally very soon.

You've picked a great representative there and do start that blog it will not only be useful for you to track your jounrney but I, for one love reading them. x

Hi, we've all been/are where you are, you aren't alone.
we are with Melanie's team too,Tina has been a star & Melanie has a very good reputation.
don't hesitate to post if you're feeling wobbly! trust me - as a very talented "wobbler" myself it helps!

sorting this out takes courage,well done!

Homer - welcome and please do start a blog - it is lovely to ready everyone's stories and reasons for where we are at - this helps us to offer the help and advice to you all when you come on this forum looking for answers - best of luck !

Wow...it's a nerve wracking time but also very exciting! Its a fresh start. I felt that as soon as I opened up my new bank account and saw a positive balance! There are a few of you all at a similar stage which is good as you can really support one another and probably have a lot of questions each other will be asking x

Good luck throught the whole of our time i still have nervous days ie will we get through it? and days thinking have we done the right thing etc. Its all a natural part of the process. But taking each day as it comes and with the support of our friends on here and the support of each other i know we'll be able to face that road ahead and each day will bring us that step closer to being debt free. bring on 2015!!!

Thanks all. Got my first email from Mel's firm, letting me know the paperwork is on the way. I've got time tomorrow, what kind of stuff do I need to pull together. For example, payslips, bills etc....


The one question I have is that I have childcare as an expenditure item, but the amount will increase as my partner has increased her hours. How do I prove the cost? Tina was happy with the amount, but do I need something to prove the future amount?


Thanks!!

You're in the very safest of hands with Mel and her very proffessional team

I think it was bills and payslips etc., I'm sure it will all be listed for you, take your time to collate this as the more comprehensive stuff you return the more they'll work with and I'm sure the quicker things move forward but having said that returning what you have will get them started. It's 3 years now since I first set out with Melanie and don't regret a day of my IVA. xx

Each firm works slightly differently but I was asked for bank statements, most recent bill from each creditor and contract for each creditor, evidence of any financial commitment such as utilities, insurances, pension info, mortgage/rental contract. Basically anything that can evidence your expenditure, establish your level of debt and verify the value of any assets. Lots of posters are with Mel so they can be more specific. Good luck with the paper trail! x

Child care - wise I just sent a copy of their last few bills ( it varies according to whether it's a "4 week" or "5 week" month -- but they average them out.

We should have sent you a detailed list of everything that is needed, but if not do bear with us it is bound to be with you in a couple of days.

Childcare most certainly is an allowable expense, and if you can get a letter from your childminder confirming what the new payments are likely to be this will be more than acceptable.