An individual voluntary credit agreement (IVCA) is a legal agreement between an individual and their creditors to repay outstanding debts over a specified period of time. It is also known as an individual voluntary arrangement (IVA).
IVCAs are typically used by individuals who are struggling to repay their debts but do not want to file for bankruptcy. The agreement allows the individual to negotiate with their creditors to come up with a repayment plan that is affordable and realistic.
The repayment plan is based on the individual’s income and expenses, as well as the amount of debt they have. Typically, the agreement will require the individual to make monthly payments to a bankruptcy practitioner who will distribute the funds to the creditors.
Once the IVCA has been agreed upon, all interest and charges on the debts are frozen, and the individual’s creditors can no longer pursue legal action against them as long as they make their monthly payments. Additionally, any remaining debt after the agreed-upon repayment period is typically written off.
IVCAs can be a helpful option for individuals who are struggling with debt and want to avoid bankruptcy. However, it is important to note that there are eligibility requirements for an IVCA, and not all debts can be included in the agreement.
To qualify for an IVCA, the individual must have a minimum amount of debt, typically around £5,000. They must also be able to demonstrate that they have a regular income and are able to make monthly payments towards their debts.
In summary, an individual voluntary credit agreement is a legally binding agreement between an individual and their creditors to repay outstanding debts over a specified period of time. It can be a helpful option for individuals who are struggling with debt but want to avoid bankruptcy. However, it is important to understand the eligibility requirements and limitations of an IVCA before pursuing this option.