Joint IVAs

What is a joint IVA?

An IVA is an 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 or connected individuals may enter into interlocking IVAs. This means that each person has their own IVA, but the two are linked because their finances are closely tied. One proposal may depend on the other, especially where household income and spending are shared.

Even in these situations, each person must apply for an IVA separately.

Understanding joint debts

A joint debt is when two or more people are equally liable for the same credit agreement – such as a mortgage, joint loan or overdraft on a shared bank account.

Some people mistakenly believe that credit cards can be joint. In fact, credit cards always have a main cardholder, who is solely responsible for the full balance – even if someone else has a secondary card.

If one person enters an IVA and there is a joint debt, the other party remains liable for the full outstanding amount. That’s because both signatories are “jointly and severally liable” – meaning creditors can pursue either person until the debt is fully repaid.

How an IVA affects your partner

Your partner’s income

As part of the IVA application, creditors will request a summary of your household income and expenditure. This is to check the IVA is affordable and that your partner is contributing fairly to shared living costs.

• Your partner won’t be asked to pay your debts.
• Creditors can’t demand proof of their income or spending.

Your partner’s assets

If you jointly own a property (or other shared assets), these must be disclosed in your IVA proposal.

However, your partner can’t be forced to contribute their share of joint assets to repay your debts. Their financial independence remains protected.

If you own a home with a certain amount of equity, you may be asked to extend your IVA by up to 12 additional payments and won’t be asked to release equity through remortgaging. This is now standard under the 2025 IVA Protocol[1].

Sustainability of the arrangement

IVA proposals must be realistic and sustainable. If your financial situation is affected by shared childcare, partner dependency or household responsibilities, these pressures should be clearly explained. Your proposal must reflect a fair and manageable plan that allows you to keep up with essential living costs.

Get impartial, confidential debt advice

If you’re struggling with debt or not sure what to do next, we’re here to help. We offer confidential and non-judgmental advice on IVAs and other debt solutions.

You can speak to someone over the phone, via live chat, or through WhatsApp, whatever feels easiest for you.

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[1] The 2025 protocol only applies for IVAs approved after July 2025. Previous IVA protocols apply for IVAs approved before then.