I need help. I have debts of £20k and I think an IVA might be the best option for me. My debts are my own and nobody knows the mess I'm in, not even my partner. I live with him in his house. The mortgage is all his and in his name only, as are all the household bills. I pay him rent (which is 50% of the household expenses and mortgage), and he sorts all the bills etc.
I've just got off the phone with an IVA charity who insisted we do a joint budget to check I was paying a fair proportion of the expenses. I provided all the costs of mortgage, gas/elec etc, however, they also wanted details of how much my partners spends on clothes/hair cuts etc, so they could calculate how much we spend on everything combined. Despite this feeling unfair I complied with estimated figures on his behalf (again, he doesn't know about this road I'm going down). I understand that they want to check that I'm not paying (for instance) 80% off the bills and he only 20%, but what my partner does with his surplus cash is his business. At the end of the conversation with the charity, they said I should have a bigger surplus than I actually do in reality.
My question is, is it possible to still set up an IVA completely independently of my partner? He also earns a little more.It doesn't feel fair that they have calculated a bigger surplus for me than I actually have based on a joint budget.
Also, can anyone recommend what company I should be using to enter into an IVA with (should it be the best option for me in the end)?
Many thanks
You can do it on your own and what your partner spends on his own expenses are his and nothing to do with you.
I would have a chat with a couple of other companies but would also suggest that you sit down with your partner and explain things to him so you can sort this out between you.
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
Definitely agree about speaking to your partner, and other companies.
You'll find it invaluable to have someone other than this forum to talk to. I have discussed mine with the two people I have dated since it started and both of them have told me about issues they have had previously and resolved.
The amount of letters I got from banks and credit card companies whilst the IVA was going through meant it would have raised questions anyway if I lived with someone.
They only wanted to know my partners income - my iva has nothing to do with him it was only to work out what I could afford - it is your choice if you tell him but I know that sometimes that isn’t always easy if you feel you are able to carry the burden then do what is best for you.
Payplan work on a household basis -- completely unfairly, in my mind. I do not know if that is who you were speaking with, but I would suggest having a chat with another provider. Normally, as you say, they only need brief details of the solvent partner's finances to calculate a fair share of expenses.
As said above though, on a seperate issue, keeing an IVA a secret from a partner is fraught with stresses that can be just as damaging as the debt itself.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
