To all IPs and Insolvency experts who take the trouble and make the effort to read this forum and are interested in how their clients feel:
The last couple of years have been a rough ride for all of us, experts and debtors alike. We appreciate that the insolvency industry has been rocked by the Paymex decision and then by the PPI fiasco. We also appreciate that this has caused an enormous amount of unexpected work for you. We are grateful for your efforts on our behalf, even though this is sometimes clouded by our frustrations.
However, these issues have also caused an enormous amount of heartache for us debtors, whose lives are often put "on hold" whilst awaiting that, to us, all important Certificate of Completion. I honestly get the impression that, save for a few, you do not appreciate the importance and weight we place upon, what is to you, a seemingly insignificant piece of paper.
It puts me in mind of the surgeon talking to his patient pre-op and telling him not to worry. To the surgeon the operation is simple, something he does day in and day out, routine ---- but, to the patient, this is the first time he or she has had an appendix taken out! Experts often forget the importance of what they do and it's effect on people.
To us this is the goal, the "Holy Grail". It signifies that triumphant moment when we become "debt free". The end of a long and often difficult road.
So, forgive us when we become somewhat agitated when it's issue is delayed by matters that are not of our making, oftentimes by up to 2 years! And, yes, we appreciate they are not of your making either. But, please, treat us with some courtesy and respect. Communicate with us honestly and do not merely bury your heads in the sand.
Some Insolvency firms have taken the view that, once the final payment has been made, that the debtor has fulfilled their responsibilities, whereas others still hold the debtor to windfall clauses. Why should we be held to such responsibilities for an extra 2 years through no fault of our own, and largely due to a problem which many IPs have already sorted out?
Some firms have generously offered to share such solutions. Regulatory guidance says there should be no undue delays. Please can those firms lagging behind on this pick up the same book and sing from the same page ? Recognise, as do many of your colleagues, that your clients (yes, us, the debtors) are human beings with hopes and aspirations often being put on hold or, indeed, dashed, by delays in closing down cases. And, above all, COMMUNICATE with us.
My opinions are merely that .. opinions based on experience. Always seek professional advice.
IVA Completed 23rd July 2013 .... C.C. 10th January 2014
