DEBT RELIEF OPTIONS IN VAUGHAN, ONTARIO
A Consumer Proposal is a federally regulated and legally binding process overseen by the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, providing a viable alternative to the drastic step of personal bankruptcy. This process is exclusively administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, a qualified professional entrusted with guiding individuals through the intricacies of debt resolution.
Integral to formulating a Consumer Proposal is assessing the individual’s income and assets, which is the foundation for determining a repayment amount you can afford. One of the most compelling advantages of a Consumer Proposal is its potential to significantly alleviate the burden of unsecured debt, with potential reductions of up to 80% of the debt included in the proposal. This substantial reduction offers immediate financial relief and lays the groundwork for a more stable financial future.
The process begins with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee performing a comprehensive evaluation of the client’s financial circumstances, developing a tailored repayment plan designed to align with their financial capabilities. This proposal is then presented to the individual’s unsecured creditors for consideration, and upon their acceptance, it becomes legally binding. Despite the maximum repayment period of five years, individuals keep the flexibility to settle the proposal earlier should their financial situation permit.
Moreover, initiating a Consumer Proposal triggers an end to all legal actions against the individual, including wage garnishments and intrusive calls from collection agencies. This respite from creditor actions gives individuals the breathing room necessary to focus on their financial rehabilitation without worrying about immediate repercussions.
A Consumer Proposal can yield additional benefits such as reduced monthly payments, cessation of interest accruals, and consolidating various unsecured debts into manageable monthly installments. This consolidation simplifies the debt repayment process, giving greater financial clarity and control.
What Debts are Included in a Consumer Proposal?
A consumer proposal covers most unsecured debt. This includes most types of debt not secured by an asset, such as a house or car. Generally, you can include the following in a consumer proposal:
- Credit card debt
- Personal loans include lines of credit, consolidation loans or renovation loans, as long as no assets have been used to secure the debt.
- Payday loans
- Student loans – if you have ceased to be a student at least seven years ago
- Income tax debt – this includes amounts owing for personal income tax (including penalties and interest), GST debts, Canada Child Benefits overpayments, CPP and OAS overpayments.