Job

Having an IVA will not usually affect your job. But if you are in certain professions, such as solicitors and accountants, having an IVA may mean that you can no longer practice, or may practice only subject to certain conditions. If you are worried about the impact of an IVA on your job, check the terms and conditions of your contract to see if it says anything about continuing to work when you have an IVA.

Possessions

Everyday possessions such as items you use in your home are not affected by having an IVA.

However, if you own more expensive items, such as antiques or expensive jewelry, you may want to consider selling these to help pay your debts.

Assets

Assets are things you own that have significant value, such as a home, land or a car. You don’t need to have any particular assets to get an IVA but they may help you to pay your debts. Assets can be included in the IVA, which means you will sell them and use the money to pay the creditors.

If you are a homeowner, check the special rules about how your home is treated.

If you decide that an IVA is right for you, your insolvency practitioner will discuss your assets with you and whether these should be included in the IVA or whether you can keep them. You must tell the insolvency practitioner about all your assets. If you don’t, you will be breaking the law.

Any assets that you want to keep, such as a car, must be specifically excluded from the IVA. If you don't want to include an asset and the insolvency practitioner doesn't think the creditors will agree, the proposal won't be put forward.

• More about the impact of an IVA on your home

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Future income or assets

Having an IVA may affect any future income or assets that you receive. For example, if you decide to move house while you have an IVA, any money you make from the sale might have to be paid into the IVA.

If your income increases while you have an IVA, you have to declare it to your insolvency practitioner. If you don't, you could be breaking the law.

Most IVAs contain a windfall clause. A windfall is money you receive unexpectedly, for example, winning the lottery, inheriting a house or getting a large bonus payment. If your IVA has a windfall clause, you will have to pay any windfall money into your IVA.

If it’s likely you're going to receive an inheritance or large bonus or gift within the next five years, you should think carefully about whether an IVA is suitable for you.

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