Anita set up an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) after receiving advice from Financial Support Services in Summer 2022. She later contacted us because she had felt pressured into signing up to the IVA and wanted to explore other ways of dealing with her debts.    

It became clear that the IVA was unsuitable and poorly administered. Several of her debts had not been included, leaving her trying to negotiate with creditors herself, and she was unable to afford the monthly repayments. The advice Anita had received appeared misleading, potentially with the intention to pressure her to enter the IVA.

Our adviser discussed the issues with Anita and explained why the IVA was not the most appropriate option. We supported her in terminating her IVA, placed her into Breathing Space, and supported her to apply for a Debt Relief Order (DRO). We ensured all her debts were included, meaning that she had peace of mind that everything was finally being dealt with. 

After the client’s DRO was approved, Anita messaged to say: “You have been amazing throughout, I wish I had known about you a few years ago when I went down the debt road. You have been there every step of the way, with advice and guidance. I have really appreciated everything you have done and helped me get through a very difficult time when I didn’t know where to turn.” 

We are continuing to support Anita with a complaint about her IVA provider.