Whenever you enter into a debt management program such as an IVA, you always need to collect important information in prior. Do not let yourself taken by surprise if the IVA requires that you release equity from your home in order to repay your debt. Also, there are several legal actions involved, which you need to learn about, so that you are at all times informed. By knowing very well each step you have to make through an IVA, will help you successfully complete it, and become debt free in 60 months.

Bailiffs may appear at your doorstep with the intent of collecting whatever they can in order to help creditors recuperate their debts. By knowing your rights you will be able to avoid misunderstandings and also avoid being mistreated by anybody. The following are a few important aspects that you must keep in mind whenever you have to deal with bailiffs:

• They may indeed come to your home and try to collect anything they consider it is worth it (for example your car, your stereo equipment, and so on)
  
  
• You do not have to let them in – you are protected by law and yes, you can refuse a bailiff entering your home at any time
  
  
  
• The quickest solution is that you will offer the bailiff an amount of money in order to reduce from your debts. He will most likely accept it, especially if you do not let him entering your property to search within your possessions
  
  
• Under all circumstances you must make sure that you will receive a receipt when you offer the bailiff money. That document will be your proof that you have actually paid, even if a small amount, towards your debts.
  
  
• You must specifically pay attention to any open doors or windows, because if a bailiff notices it, he can enter into your home
  
  
• Basically, you mustn’t let the bailiffs enter your property the very first time they show up at your door. If you do let them in, the second time he shows up, he has the right to be let in.
  
  
• Bailiffs may act only on a legal basis. Any illegal action taken against you must be reported.

It is advisable that you try to arrive at some sort of an agreement with the bailiff, if possible. Kindly explain the reasons why you couldn’t keep up with the payments, and promise to do anything possible to try and pay back your debt. It is very important that even before you are actually faced with a bailiff standing at your front door that you draw up a plan of payments for yourself. You must know which that amount is which is affordable to you to pay on a monthly basis. For example, after you calculate how much you need on a monthly basis for food, electricity, gas, phone bills and other such important payments, you will have an amount left which you can use for repaying your debts.

Be a good financial manager for yourself, and cut off extra expenses (eating out, buying unnecessary things, luxury items), and then you will notice that you can spare something in order to pay your debts. Even if it is £50, it is still an important amount of money. So, when you do have your conversation with the bailiff, tell him that you agree to pay X sum ever month. If he will accept it, you will not have to deal with collection departments every other day calling for money. As long as you truly keep up with the agreed amount, at least you will know your personal items and belongings haven’t been touched upon.

• Whenever you feel at a loss, not knowing what to do, ask for professional advice.
  
  
• You cannot be threatened with imprisonment by a bailiff (you are not liable to imprisonment just because you didn’t let him into your property)
  
  
• You have the right to make complaints to the court, if you consider that the bailiff has been treating you illegally (offensive language, forcing his way into your home, etc.)
  
  
• The bailiff is not allowed to take away personal property that is being necessary for everyday use (such as clothing or electric appliances that you normally use)