IVA UK - Opinions please!

[sam_s]

From what I can gather they probably are a packager, as the paperwork that I have received so far entitles the individual that I have been corresponding with as a 'Debt Advisor', who then liases with the IP. Is this the norm?
Again, many thanks to all for contributing to this topic, I appreciate the advice.

[Viki.W]

Sam, just make sure you don't pay any upfront fees to this company. You can go straight to an IP and you shouldn't have to pay to do this. X

[sam_s]

Thank you Viki.W, I appreciate your advice.
Having spoken to the 'Debt Advisor' she has informed me that the IP deduct their fees from your monthly IVA payment, again, is this the norm, or am is a fast one being pulled on me?
Thanks x

[size5]

There is nothing wrong with packagers in themselves, one quite large firm that posts on here is, in effect, a packager.

You may feel, though, that it may be better to approach an IP firm directly to minimise your potential losses in the event that your proposal is rejected as packagers typically take 2 payments before passing to an IP.

Best wishes in whatever you decide to do.

Regards.

[Viki.W]

Sam, yes, you've been informed correctly. X

[sam_s]

Thanks for the info size_5, that's very useful to know. Without imposing too much bias, would you be able to recommend an IP firm please?
Many thanks

[Viki.W]

Sam I recommend Melanie Giles, I am with her and her team. They are all great and treat you like you are their only client. You can get her details from the experts page. X

[sam_s]

Thank you, Viki.W, that's certainly reassuring! x

[sam_s]

Thank you for that Viki.W, I'll give her office a call x

[size5]

No I can't I'm afraid, it is against the rules for me to do so.

What I can do though, is point you in the direction of www.iva.com where you can, at your leisure, have a look around at all the various providers, read reviews form real cases etc and go from there. I would also encourage you to speak to 2 or 3 different providers as this is a big decision and you need to be comfortable with whoever you choose.

Good luck and best wishes.

[sam_s]

Many thanks, size_5 for your professional, unbiased advice.

I shall continue my research and let you know who I select.

[size5]

Many thanks for your kind words sam_s, we try our best to please!!

Regards.

[sam_s]

I have just discovered that IVA UK work 'for' (if that's the correct term) Hamiltons UK, an IP based in Sheffield (I think).
I have read a couple of reviews on the website that you good chaps recommended and they seem pretty reasonable. Has anyone else used Hamilton UK?

Many thanks x

[MelanieGiles]

I know Adrian Graham and Deborah Lockwood who run Hamiltons very well and can confirm that they are a very good company.

[Soulgrowth]

Sam, I just wanted to say that my IVA was orginally arranged through a 'packager', I didn't pay any upfront fees and found it rather reassuring to have an 'objective supporter' on my side at this stage in my journey.

Good luck.

Debbie