Debt review is a lifeline for individuals struggling with unmanageable debt, offering a structured path to regain financial stability under the guidance of a professional debt counsellor. This process allows consumers to restructure their debts into more manageable payments, alleviating the burden of a continuous credit cycle.
This protection gives you the breathing room needed to focus on repayment...
With careful negotiations by your debt counsellor, debts are reorganized into affordable repayment plans, benefiting both you and your creditors. However, one of the most common concerns for individuals considering debt review is its effect on their credit score.
The Protective Benefits of Debt Review
While your credit score may decrease initially, entering debt review offers vital protections that can prevent your financial situation from worsening:
- Protection from Creditors: Once you’re under debt review, creditors cannot take legal action against you, repossess your assets, or secure judgments against you.
- Fixed Repayment Amounts: Debt review ensures that the payments you make align with the terms set out in a court order, providing financial certainty and stability.
This protection gives you the breathing room needed to focus on repayment, rather than worrying about further financial or legal repercussions.
Rebuilding Your Credit Score During and After Debt Review
The negative impact on your credit score is only temporary. By adhering to your restructured repayment plan, you can steadily improve your financial health. Here’s how debt review positively contributes to your credit recovery:
- Regular Payments Build Trust: Making consistent payments demonstrates financial responsibility to creditors.
- Clearing Debt Improves Your Profile: Upon completing the debt review process, your debt counsellor will issue a clearance certificate. This certificate is sent to credit bureaus, removing the debt review flag from your profile.
Once the flag is lifted, the only lingering record may be your payment history, which could remain on your credit report for up to two years. It’s important to monitor your credit score during this time to ensure accuracy.
Starting Fresh with Your Credit Score
After completing debt review, your credit score essentially resets. While rebuilding takes time, adopting good financial habits—such as paying bills on time and avoiding unnecessary debt—can accelerate this process.
Additionally, your credit report will reflect that all your debts are “paid,” showcasing your financial stability and responsibility. This fresh start enables you to participate in the credit market again, this time with improved financial habits.
Conclusion
Debt review may temporarily lower your credit score, but it offers the structure and protection necessary to overcome financial challenges effectively. Opting for debt review demonstrates financial maturity by addressing debt problems head-on, without resorting to sequestration or asset liquidation.
By focusing on the long-term benefits—becoming debt-free and rebuilding your credit—you can regain financial stability.
With patience and consistent effort, you can rebuild your credit score and achieve a brighter financial future.
Need assistance with exiting debt-review? Get in touch and find out how we can help you.
Matthew Upton
Candidate Legal Practitioner
WHO ARE WE AT VHT
VHT Attorneys is a boutique law firm with a large vision. We provide innovative legal solutions with a renowned standard of integrity and confidentiality.
We help our clients:
- Remove Debt Review Status
- Commercial & Corporate Law
- Labour Law
- Dispute Resolution / Litigation
