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Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)

A formal insolvency arrangement in England and Wales, set up and managed by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner. Whether one could apply to you depends on your circumstances.

What is an IVA?

An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a formal, legally binding insolvency solution available in England and Wales. It is set up and managed by a licensed Insolvency Practitioner, who is regulated to carry out that work.

In general terms, an IVA involves paying an agreed monthly amount over a set period, commonly around five years. If the terms of the arrangement are met in full, any remaining unsecured debt covered by it may be written off at the end. Whether an IVA could be available to you, and what any payment might be, depends entirely on your individual circumstances.

An IVA is not right for everyone. It carries conditions and long-term consequences, including an entry on your credit file and on the public Insolvency Register. Not all debts can be included, and an arrangement that is not kept to may fail.

Could an IVA apply to you? DebtFlowPartners is an introducer, not a debt adviser, and nothing on this page is advice or a recommendation. A regulated adviser can confirm whether an IVA could be appropriate for you, explain in full how it would work in your circumstances, and set out the alternatives — before you decide anything. Free, impartial debt advice is also available at any time from MoneyHelper, National Debtline and StepChange.
IVA — general information
Available inEngland & Wales
Typical durationAround 5 years
Set up byInsolvency Practitioner
Legally bindingYes
Creditor approvalBy creditor vote
Debt at endMay be written off
Credit file impact6 years
Insolvency RegisterYes
What applies to youAdviser confirms
Other solutions to consider
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Debt Management Plan

An informal arrangement to repay what you owe at a reduced monthly rate.

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Low income & low assets

Debt Relief Order

A formal insolvency solution for people on a low income with few assets.

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Last resort

Bankruptcy

A formal, court-based insolvency process with significant and lasting consequences.

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Not sure if an IVA is right for you?

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