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i England, Wales and Northern Ireland only. We do not charge you for advice, but you make payments to your insolvency practitioner once your IVA is in progress.

Getting an IVA

IVA companies. Advice on your options

You need an insolvency practitioner (IP) to manage the IVA process if it is the best debt solution for you. An IP can either be:


  • Working independently or
  • Part of a company that offers many debt solutions

IVAs are arranged by StepChange Voluntary Arrangements, part of StepChange Debt Charity. In Scotland, a protected trust deed is a similar solution. This has different benefits, risks and fees.

An IVA is a form of insolvency. It is a legally binding arrangement between you and your creditors.

Your agreement is to make either:


  • 60 or 72 affordable monthly payments or
  • A lump sum payment

Get free, impartial debt advice to understand how an IVA could affect you before you apply.

Our own IVA provider can support you through the process if this is the right choice for you.

There are costs and fees for an IVA.


  • Our IVA costs and fees follow industry standards
  • We do not charge up-front fees
  • We do not charge for debt advice

Fees are detailed in your IVA proposal, which an IP will assist in drafting. Any fees have to be approved by creditors. Your IP will explain what fees you need to pay for your IVA.

Clare Lindley and James O'Carroll of StepChange Voluntary Arrangements are licensed to act as insolvency practitioners in the UK by the Insolvency Practitioners Association.

Other IVA companies may charge different fees. Make sure you understand them before agreeing to anything.

Considering an IVA?

Money worries?

Find out how we can help you.

Get help now

Is an IVA right for you?

Use our online debt advice tool to find out if an IVA is right for you.

There may be another solution that suits you better.

An IVA can have consequences for your personal, professional and financial life.

IVAs are only suitable for people with:


  • A regular income
  • Enough to cover all living costs
  • Enough left over to make monthly payments
  • A lump sum of money available now or guaranteed soon

What does an insolvency practitioner do?

An insolvency practitioner (IP) helps you with an IVA.


  • They are the only people who can set one up
  • They fulfil several different roles during the IVA

1. First, they act as an advisor and help you finalise your IVA

2. Next, they become your Nominee

  • This is after you decide to go ahead
  • They now have legal duties to fulfil
  • They tell the people you owe how likely your IVA is to succeed
  • They must remain impartial
  • They cannot be influenced by you or the people you owe

3. Finally, they become the Supervisor of your IVA

  • This is once it is approved
  • They review your IVA at least once a year
  • They collect and pass on your payments
  • They make sure you stick to the terms of the IVA

You will deal with the same organisation throughout your IVA if your IP is both your nominee and supervisor.

How do I choose an insolvency practitioner?

There are several companies that offer IVAs but make sure to get proper debt advice first.

Remember, there are always fees involved with setting up and running an IVA.

Compare costs before you choose a company.

StepChange Voluntary Arrangements can set up your IVA with no upfront costs and no charge for debt advice.

Free IVA advice

Use our online advice tool to make sure an IVA is right for you.

StepChange Voluntary Arrangements is a registered trading name of Consumer Credit Counselling Service Voluntary Arrangements Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of StepChange Debt Charity.