Joint IVAs | IVA Information | Debt Help & Advice

Understanding joint debts

What is a joint debt?

A joint debt is when two people both agree to pay the same debt. This means you are both responsible for it.

Common examples include:

A joint mortgage
A joint loan
A joint overdraft

What happens to joint debts in an IVA?

If only one person gets an IVA, the other person still has to pay the full debt. This is because the lender can ask either person for the money until it is fully repaid.

Can I include joint debts in my IVA?

They can be included, but as an IVA is for one person, it doesn’t protect the other person. If your partner is not in an IVA, they will still need to make payments or get their own debt advice.

What is a joint IVA?

An IVA stands for Individual Voluntary Arrangement. As the name suggests, it’s a personal debt solution. So, technically, there’s no such thing as a joint IVA.

However, some couples have something called a linked IVA. This may also be called an interlocking IVA in the wider industry. This just means that you each have your own IVA, but they are linked because you share money and household bills. You still apply separately and are responsible for your own debts.

We can tell you if this could be an option for you.

Check my options

How does an IVA affect my partner or family?

Your partner’s income

When setting up an IVA, we look at your household budget. This helps us check that the IVA is affordable and that bills are shared fairly.

Your partner does not pay your debts unless they agree to do so. We usually look at how household bills are shared, rather than assessing your partner’s personal debts or requiring them to pay your debts.

Will an IVA affect our home or assets?

If you own things together, like a home, tell us so we can help protect them.

If you own a home and have equity, your IVA may be extended by up to 12 months, if releasing equity isn’t possible or required.

If you sell a home, what happens to the money depends on your IVA terms. Always check your agreement.

Learn more about how property, assets and equity are treated in an IVA.

Will divorce affect my IVA?

It can. This is because your income, household costs and affordability may change during and after a divorce. Make sure to tell your IP as soon as you can so they can help.

Is a linked IVA right for me?

Not all debt solutions are suitable for everyone, and eligibility depends on your individual circumstances.

For an IVA to work well, it must be affordable and fit around your life. It should leave you with enough money for everyday living costs.

IVAs are flexible. If your situation changes, your IVA can often be reviewed and updated.

Thinking about an IVA but unsure what’s right for you?

An IVA can help many couples and families, but it’s important to understand all your options before deciding.

Get free debt advice online or call 0800 316 1833 to speak to one of our experts. We’ll explain the solutions available, check what you may be eligible for and help you choose the option that best fits your situation.

See if an IVA is right for me

Table of contents

FAQs

What if I become seriously ill?

Please contact us as soon as possible. We know these conversations can feel difficult – but you’re not alone, and our dedicated Vulnerability Team is here to support you with care and practical guidance.

Your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) may speak to your creditors and request early completion of your IVA on compassionate grounds.

What happens if I come into money during my IVA?

If you receive a financial windfall – such as inheritance, compensation or lottery winnings – you’ll usually need to pay all of it into your IVA.

Because your creditors have agreed to write off part of your debt at the end of your IVA, any extra funds must be considered.

If the amount’s large, you may be able to offer an early Full and Final settlement.

If friends or family want to help with a lump sum, creditors may accept it as a settlement offer. It doesn’t have to cover everything you owe, but it must be fair and reasonable.

Can I settle my IVA early?

Yes – you can ask to offer a lump sum as a Full and Final settlement.

Your creditors will vote on the offer at a Variation Meeting.
Even if accepted, your IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the original start date.
It remains on the Insolvency Register for three months after completion or termination.

Early settlement can give flexibility, but you’ll still need to rebuild your credit after it completes.

Can I add debts to my IVA?

Because an IVA is a legally binding agreement, adding new debts can be difficult.

Forgotten debts: If a debt was missed at the start, it may still be possible to add it. Sometimes a second Creditors’ Meeting is required if the debt is significant.
New debts: If you’ve taken on new borrowing since your IVA began, contact us immediately. We’ll explain your options and what this means for your arrangement.

Can an IVA affect citizenship?

Your IVA will appear on the Insolvency Register, which may be visible during a citizenship assessment. It doesn’t automatically prevent approval – and in many cases, it reflects that you’re actively managing your debts responsibly.

FAQs

What if I become seriously ill?

Your Insolvency Practitioner (IP) may speak to your creditors and request early completion of your IVA on compassionate grounds.

What happens if I come into money during my IVA?

If you receive a financial windfall – such as inheritance, compensation or lottery winnings – you’ll usually need to pay all of it into your IVA.

Because your creditors have agreed to write off part of your debt at the end of your IVA, any extra funds must be considered.

If the amount’s large, you may be able to offer an early Full and Final settlement.

If friends or family want to help with a lump sum, creditors may accept it as a settlement offer. It doesn’t have to cover everything you owe, but it must be fair and reasonable.

Can I settle my IVA early?

Yes – you can ask to offer a lump sum as a Full and Final settlement.

Your creditors will vote on the offer at a Variation Meeting.
Even if accepted, your IVA stays on your credit file for six years from the original start date.
It remains on the Insolvency Register for three months after completion or termination.

Early settlement can give flexibility, but you’ll still need to rebuild your credit after it completes.

Can I add debts to my IVA?

Because an IVA is a legally binding agreement, adding new debts can be difficult.

Forgotten debts: If a debt was missed at the start, it may still be possible to add it. Sometimes a second Creditors’ Meeting is required if the debt is significant.
New debts: If you’ve taken on new borrowing since your IVA began, contact us immediately. We’ll explain your options and what this means for your arrangement.

Can an IVA affect citizenship?

Joint IVAs – what you need to know

Understanding joint debts

What is a joint debt?

What happens to joint debts in an IVA?

Can I include joint debts in my IVA?

What is a joint IVA?

How does an IVA affect my partner or family?

Your partner’s income

Will an IVA affect our home or assets?

Will divorce affect my IVA?

Is a linked IVA right for me?

Thinking about an IVA but unsure what’s right for you?

FAQs

FAQs

What's your approximate level of debt?

Great! It looks like we can help you.