IVA Timeline

As you are making an important financial decision it is important to make sure that you take the time you need to read and understand your IVA proposal and make sure this is the right decision for you.

✓   Write off unaffordable debt
✓   One monthly repayment
✓   Only pay what you can afford
✓   Stop creditor harassment

An IVA may not be suitable in all circumstances. Fees may apply. Entering into an IVA will affect your credit rating. You could write off up to 80% of your debts upon successful completion of an IVA.(10% of our customers wrote off 80% in the last 12 months, with a typical figure of 25%-75%).

See if you are eligible

Typically the time taken to set up an IVA is between 21 and 28 days

Here at Bennett Jones, we take time to explain your options to you and we are happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have before you make the decision to proceed with your IVA. Once you have read and approved the IVA proposal you are going to make to your creditors it is necessary to send the proposal to your creditors and allow your creditors at least 14 days to consider and vote on your proposal

IVA steps and timing

  • Step 1: Contact the IVA team at Bennett Jones.
  • Step 2: We perform a credit check and assess all your debts. This credit check will not affect your credit score.
  • Step 3: Gathering your financial information. We gather detailed information regarding your regular expenses (rent, travel, food, utility bills, etc.) and make an assessment of how much you can reasonably afford to pay back each month after paying these expenses.
  • Step 4: Building your IVA proposal. Our Insolvency Practitioner will create your draft IVA proposal to present to your creditors. It will include a detailed financial breakdown of your current circumstances and proposed repayment terms. Your proposal will explain why your creditors should accept your IVA.
  • Step 5: Your creditors consider your IVA proposal. Our Insolvency Practitioner finalises the proposal with your agreement and calls a “virtual” creditors’ meeting. Each of your creditors can vote on your proposal. To have an IVA agreed, you will need 75% in value of your creditors who vote at the meeting putting in votes to approve your proposal.
  • Step 6: IVA Approval. You’ll formally enter into your IVA and immediately become protected against all debt recovery action.
  • Step 7: Annual Review of Your IVA. Your Insolvency Practitioner will conduct a review each year to ensure you’re still able to make your payments. If your income has increased you may be requested to increase your IVA payments. If you are struggling to manage your payments we will be here to help you.
  • Step 8: Debt free. As long as you keep to the terms of your IVA proposal, your remaining debt will be written off at the end of your IVA. You will then be debt-free.

Breathe easier with an IVA with Bennett Jones today

If creditors agree to the IVA then it will usually take five years of monthly payments until the arrangement ends. An IVA is not suitable for everyone and all other debt solutions should be considered before opting to begin the IVA process. If this is the right debt solution the IVA application can be the first step toward a debt-free life. Our team at Bennett Jones has many years of experience in dealing with creditors and administering IVAs. We are here to provide support and guidance for you at a time when you need it most. If you believe an IVA may be the best solution or you would like to learn more about what the process entails, our experts can provide you with confidential advice. There are lots of ways to contact our IVA team:

Bennett Jones has helped thousands of people solve their debt problems. We understand how stressful and difficult life is when you can’t pay your debts and your bills.

You can trust Bennett Jones to help you if you are struggling to pay your debts. We specialise in Individual Voluntary Arrangements – a legal solution that allows for unaffordable debts to be written off. With an IVA from our team, you will make affordable repayments to your creditors over a fixed period, with the remaining debt written off at the end.

An IVA may not be suitable for everyone who needs help with their debts. Fees may apply, but the initial assessment is free. Writing off debt with an IVA will affect your credit rating (see our FAQ). If an IVA is not right for you we will give you free no-obligation help so you can decide on the best solution for you. You could write off up to 80% of your debts (10% of our customers wrote off 80% in the last 12 months, with a typical figure ranging from 25%-75%).

We are proud of our 5* Trustpilot reviews

April 2024, Adam

5stars

I would like to thank Bennett Jones for helping me with my IVA proposal. I'm a glass half full person but the realities of life and unforseen circumstances with finances had taken its toll. Bennett Jones has helped me to have a fresh start and take control back of my finances. It's a huge load lifted off my shoulders. Many thanks to the team for there support and professionalism.

April 2024, Kevin

5stars

Very polite staff, understanding non judgemental, go above and beyond to contact creditors, good outcome, all questions answered in an easy way to understand how it all works, a huge weight has been lifted, highly recommend

March 2024, Sheezana

5stars

I can’t thank Laura enough for doing all the hard work for helping me sort out my finances. Great customer service, friendly, kept me in contact with everything that was going on. And made it happen. Great company too go to you won’t be disappointed. Thank you Bennett Jones and mostly thank you so much Laura for all your hard work. Making it happen

March 2024, Charmaine

5stars

At the start of my journey with Bennet Jones was only approved today but very happy with the level of service received... I was embarrassed to get in contact at first . The level of understanding empathy care and compassion shown by the team is second to none

The debt write off amount for each customer differs depending upon their individual financial circumstances and is subject to the approval of their creditors. The example provided of 80% has been achieved by 10% of our customers in the last 12 months

The debt write off amount for each customer differs depending upon their individual financial circumstances and is subject to the approval of their creditors. The example provided of 80% has been achieved by 10% of our customers in the last 12 months