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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:01 am
by nkershaw
hi all. im still considering an iva but i am also confused as to who to go with & that i can trust, i dont want a company that will take most of our money just for dealing with my case. any idea's.
i was consdiering bains & ernst but after reading that they deal with a company that hasnt has the best reviews i am thinking twice now. they also charge a one off fee of £500. is this normal to too much????

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:06 am
by kallis3
Hi,

There are several Insolvency Practictioners and other professionals who post on here. They all have excellent reviews and other people on here will not hesitate to recommend them.

You can find their details by clicking on the experts link on the left hand side of the page.

You could also visit www.iva.com where you will find reviews of these companies, and other ones. The initial calls are free and you will receive impartial advice as to the best way forward for you.

I have to say that I think you should go for a company who does not charge an upfront fee as this is just a referral fee to an IP.

The IP's on here don't charge a fee and you will receive a great service.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 10:30 am
by wonder
I'm with cleardebt, had no problems with them & no up front fee. Only paid after iva was authorised. Had low 23p in the £ too.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:56 pm
by MelanieGiles
No IP firm will take all of your money for dealing with your case. They will draw fees from the money you pay over, but this is only when authorised to by your creditors.

You should beware of firms who will start charging you without starting their work on your behalf, and it is usually a good idea to try a couple of firms just to compare the advice and solutions you are offered.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 12:59 pm
by kallis3
Just re read my post and it sounds as though I wouldn't recommend these firms! Didn't mean it to come out like that.

I would not hesitate to recommend the professionals who post on here.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:19 pm
by Max
If you have any doubts as whom you should consult then consult Melanie Giles. Melanie took me on when others said no chance - got it through on first attempt; she also has an excellent method of the first IVA payment being made with the submission of proposals - that has two advantages as I see it - first - the first payment is well out of the way; second, if there is a hic-cup Melanie is able to demonstrate comittment on the part of the debtor.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 2:11 pm
by nkershaw
thanks guys for your advise. i will most deffinatly contact Melanie in the new few weeks to see what she & the team can do. back soon.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 2:17 pm
by kallis3
Good luck - you have chosen well.

Let us know how you get on.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:40 pm
by plasticdaft
Contact a few firms to see what advice they all give,and then go with the one who you feel comfortable with as 5 years is a long time to be dealing with the same people and you cannot change companies during the iva.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 5:05 pm
by ricbro
I'm not being funny but, why wait a few weeks to contact someone (as you say Melanie) if you are in debt and going for an IVA there is no time like the present, it takes a few weeks for it to be up and running so why wait?

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 5:35 pm
by MelanieGiles
We will be delighted to assist you nkershaw, when the time is right for you to seek advice.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 6:09 pm
by kallis3
Good point ricbro - the advice and initial help costs nothing.

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 6:40 pm
by jackie90
nkershaw. I waited for a while whilst thinking what to do and getting more depressed. The moment that I spoke to Tina from Melanies firm the cloud lifted and she went through all the options including bankruptcy and told me what I would lose etc ( which was nothing unless you have antiques etc worth thousands of pounds!) My mind was clearer and I would suggest that you do it sooner rather than later. The paperwork needed to proceed took me a few weeks. 3 months bank statements, mortgage statement etc, wage slips ,valuation if house owner. Just been accepted and the relief is immense. Hope you sort things out soon. This forum kept me sane throughout the IVA process and there are so many friendly people out there in the same boat [:)]

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:29 pm
by indeep
Melanie's firm has an excellent reputation and we are going with them through recommendations

Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:59 pm
by sparklywatcher
I can also recommend cleardebt they were magnificently fast in dealing with my case and extremely professional. I had a very low disposable income and other firms said I had no chance.. cleardebt came through with gold stars