The Bankruptcy Handbook

Book excerpt: The Bankruptcy Handbook provides a clear and concise overview of the legal and financial processes, and of the implications for people facing bankruptcy. It provides practical assistance to all working in the insolvency field, in rural as well as urban areas. It includes: case studies for different bankruptcy scenarios; an overview of the relationship between bankruptcy and family law; discussion of taxation and superannuation; an Australia-wide contact list; information about the sequestration order and key bankruptcy processes; practical resources such as a guide to filling out the ITSA Statement of Affairs, which is reproduced in full; the pros and cons of alternatives to bankruptcy such as debt agreements and personal insolvency agreements; web addresses for various resources, including ITSA forms; and a glossary.The book's plain, accessible language and its recognition of the importance of emotional issues mean that it will also be helpful to many debtors having to consider the option of bankruptcy. The authors are three of Australia's most experienced practitioners: Dr Betty Weule, doyenne of Australian financial counsellors, Dr Wayne Warburton, psychologist, of the National Financial Counsellors Resource Service, and Richard Brading, Principal Solicitor of the Wesley Community Legal Service.