www.iva.co.uk

Hi my husband is in the armed forces and we are looking into doing an iva. Does his job need to be told about the iva? He is quite worried if they find out he would be penalised for it, resulting in a hold back on his career which he desperately does not want to happen as he has quite a bright future ahead of him.

Hi Kate - not too sure of the answer - however Melanie Giles is ex forces and I know she helps a lot of forces personnel.

Her web details are www.melaniegiles.com and there is a contact section if you wish to contact her to discuss.

There are a lot of service personnel in IVA's so I don't think it will be a problem for your husband.

Do speak to a professional though. Visit www.iva.com for a list of companies and reviews and give one or two a ring for some free advice.

Hi Kate.k8 no his employer would not be informed so he doesn't have to worry about that. Melanie looks after many clients from the forces and they all carry on with their careers as normal whilst having their debts sorted under the protection of an IVA.

Once you have spoken to a couple of professionals you will be able to confirm what is the best option for you both moving forward.

He does not have to disclose the IVA to his employers, but if his role means that he requires positive or developed vetting then this must be disclosed in the financial questionnaire he will need to complete for that process. HMF these days are far more sympathetic towards their serving members with debt problems, and you should not worry unduly - your husband is far more a security risk if his debts are out of control, than if he is within the disclipline of an ongoing IVA.

I've done IVAs for all levels of serving HMF personnel - being ex-forces myself - up to the level of LtCol!