The whole thing seems such a mess. Please help

[ianmillington]

All I can suggest is that one option is to take a look at the list of experts here and look at someone that seems to have the right credentials.

Also www.iva.com is an oft-quoted site, but remember you are looking for the right advice, not necessarily an IVA proposal. As a consequence, some of the reviews on that site may be less relevant to your case as it reflects users experiences of their IVAs being put together.

ian

[zchr1]

Thanks All. As soon as the IVA was in place I thought I had seriously done the wrong thing. The 'advisors' seemed more like salesmen. It got down to bartering in the end, which really made me uncomfortable. I went to a company first off who turned out to be real hard core salesmen who wanted £400 upfront! As soon as that happened I started to look elsewhere. I told the company that arranged my IVA that I really would struggle to pay what they wanted me to, but agreed in the end just because I didn't know what else to do and they said time was running out. all the harrassment I had on the phones as well with horrible callers made me rush into the agreement. I owe the money and I messed up, I agree, but there's got to be a better way forward.

[debbiw]

If you rent, and don't own a car, maybe bankrupcy would be a more suitable option. Did the company you are with go through all the options with you

[chris.g]

Sounds very pressurised selling. Have a look around the IVA market, any company worth their salt shouldn't be pushing you into making decisions until your ready, there are some really good ones out there.

[louisa.s]

What I don't understand if you had debts of £15,000 why the company didn't suggest a DMP first as if even if you repaid £250 per month you would be debt free in 5 years the same term length as an IVA without the fees?

Incidently out of curioousity which compnay have you got your IVA through?

If you have additional creidtors you should be able to add them into your IVA particular as you have only just started with your IVA.

[ianmillington]

I agree with everything that has been said here.

You do need to get some advice either from an IP or at least an insolvency manager working for an IP firm - preferably with access to the paperwork.

There are 2 areas of contention. One is the IVA firms conduct, but this comes a very poor second to sorting out the pickle you are in. If it is necessary to terminate IVA 1 and enter into a second one then that is do-able, so long as there are good reasons to do so. The 2 other options mentioned (Bky/DMP) need also to be taken into account as well.

Ian

[zchr1]

This company I have the IVA with has said unless I pay two months payments immediatly they will default me. Can I go with another IP for another IVA after being defaulted on my first?

[zchr1]

Sounds very pressurised selling. Have a look around the IVA market, any company worth their salt shouldn't be pushing you into making decisions until your ready, there are some really good ones out there.

Yes but that's the thing, I don't know who the 'good ones out there are!'

[debbiw]

Thats why it would be a good idea, to read the reviews on IVA companies. Melanie Giles who posts on this forum is highly recommended. Ian Millington is also someone v good to speak to.

[chris.g]

Unfortunately the only way is to research them. if you have a look through the posts you should be able to pick up on a few that posters are using and the ones to potentially avoid. I don't think anyone will tell you to use a certain firm, at the end of the day the decision lies with you.
Which company are you in your IVA with?

[ianmillington]

Not easy I'll grant you.

Someone local might be a good start. Where do you live?

ian

[zchr1]

I live in South East London. Thanks Guys.

[ianmillington]

What, like Crawley, Croydon etc?

Whilst I know a couple of debt counsellors from round there, I don't know any of the IPs. It depends whether you are prepared to travel.

From the Southern end of the country I can recommend Melanie Giles or Paul Johns. Either of them ought to be able to advise you.

Ian

[zchr1]

East Duwlich SE22 to be precise. Thanks again.

[ianmillington]

As I say, I don't know anyone in your area for you to have a convenient meeting. Whilst a meeting would be nice I suppose it isn't absolutely necessary so long as whoever you talk to gets an opportunity to see the papers.

There are a number of people on this forum who are IPs or managers working in IP firms. Many will be willing to help you but you will have to make your own assessment as to who gives the best advice. I have named 2 people in an earlier thread.

Ian