This manual has 17 chapters that deal with different areas of advice and paralegal work. Two other sections – a Legal Dictionary and Resources – are included at the end of the book for your information.

How can you find information in the manual?

At the beginning of the manual on page v is a Contents List of the chapters. To help you find the information you need there are three other tools to use:

• An Overview of Topics on page vi shows the most important topics dealt with in each chapter. This is to help you identify at a glance which chapter to refer to when you need information.
• A Topic Index is on the inside of the front and back covers. The quickest way to find information is to use this alphabetical topic index that gives page references for most topics covered in the manual.
• A comprehensive Contents List at the beginning of each chapter. This includes the headings and sub-headings in the chapter and their page references.

In the text of each chapter we have included, where relevant, cross-references to other sections in the manual.

The Resources section at the back of the manual is divided into the 17 chapters in the manual. It contains useful addresses and contact numbers relevant to the specific chapters. It also has lists of publications for further reading.

What is in the chapters?

Each chapter has these parts:

PART WHAT IT TELLS YOU

Contents list All the headings and sub-headings in the chapter, with their page numbers

Text This gives you important information you need to know about the law relevant to a specific problem and the different systems and processes that apply

Problems The most typical problems, what the law says regarding the problem, and what you can do to deal with the problem

Model letters and forms Examples of letters you may have to write or forms you may have to fill in

Checklists Lists of questions to ask clients

How to deal with problems

If you are faced with a problem, look at the Overview of Topics in the front of the manual to see in which chapter you might find information on the problem. You can also look at the alphabetical Topic Index on the front and back covers. If you know which chapter the problem falls under, go to the contents list of that chapter.

For quick answers, check the Problems at the end of each chapter and see if your problem is covered there.

If you need to write a letter look at the Model Letters in that chapter to see if there is one that you can adapt to the situation you are dealing with. Remember not to just copy the letter – it is only included as an example. You need to fill in your own details of the problem.

If you need contact details for organisations or information on websites and publications, look under the Resources section at the end of the manual.

The Legal Dictionary at the end of the manual contains a list of difficult words with explanations.

We sincerely hope that the manual helps you with your work.