The total of all your debts must be paid in full plus 5% interest, usually within a period of three years, unless all creditors consent to an alternative arrangement and the Court approves it.

Using the Orderly Payments of Debt approach to repay debt will lower your credit rating. It is the same credit rating you would receive if you file a Consumer Proposal (R7). However, it will not be as low as the rating given to those who file for Bankruptcy (R9). Credit reporting agencies typically keep an Orderly Payments of Debt on your credit file for three years upon completion.

The program is only available in Alberta, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. It is also available in Quebec, where it is referred to as the Voluntary Deposit Law (or formerly, Lacombe Law).

Eligible debts that can be consolidated include: credit cards, consumer loans and public utilities. Ineligible debts include: mortgages, student loans, along with others.

If Orderly Payments of Debt doesn’t seem like a viable option for you or is not available in your province, there are other possibilities. Speak to a Licensed Insolvency Trustee for your options.

Insolvency is a formal term from bankruptcy law. If you are insolvent, it means your liabilities or debts exceed the value of your assets. You would also be considered insolvent if you are unable to pay your debts on time.

My wages are being garnished to pay for my outstanding debts. I am afraid to answer the phone because it may be a debt collector calling. My creditors are threatening to sue me, repossess my personal property or hire a collection agency to recover their money. I have been borrowing money for household expenses from friends and family to make it from one pay cheque to the next. I am paying one creditor one month and another...

A secured debt is directly tied to an asset which may be seized by a lender if you fail to make your required payments on it. For example, a mortgage is considered a secured loan, with your home as the related asset. If you fail to make your mortgage payments, your secured mortgage lender has the right to foreclose on (i.e. seize) your home and sell it to pay off your debt. If the proceeds from the sale of an asset don’t entirely cover your debt,...

The first step in combating debt is to analyze where you are spending your money. If you see a clear way to stop incurring more debt and take action immediately to consistently spend less, you may be able to regain control on your own. However, if your financial troubles persist, an MNP Licensed Insolvency Trustee can discuss different options with you such as Consumer Proposals, Bankruptcy or put you in contact with a Credit Counselling organization...

Bankruptcy isn’t the only option. Numerous solutions including a Consumer Proposal and other options may be available. Contact an MNP office today to discuss your options with a Licensed Trustee.