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Tool kit list of titles

Updated January 2024

Tool Kit flyer

Publisher State Library of NSW Book cover showing bills, a calculator and a magnifying glass
Date 2022
ISBN 9781925831245
Price Free to public libraries
Also available Online
Summary This guide to dealing with problems with debt covers topics including the different types of debt, how to prioritise debts, where to go for help, how to negotiate with creditors, the implications of and alternatives to bankruptcy, and how to deal with court action.

Defend yourself: facing a charge in court. 3rd ed

Author Tim Anderson Defend yourself: facing a charge in court.  3rd ed Cover
Publisher Federation Press
Date 2014
ISBN 9781862879614
Price $34.95
Also available Online
Summary

A practical guide to defending a criminal charge in court which covers areas including arrest and questioning, bail, lawyers and self-representation, court procedure, pleas, trials, how to research and prepare for a criminal case, evidence, sentencing, appeals, diagrams of a magistrate’s court, character references, and warrants.

The family law handbook. 5th ed

Author Maree Livermore Book cover showing an illustration of a tree
Publisher Thomson Reuters
Date 2019
ISBN 9780455242118
Price $139.00
Also available

Chapters 1 and 2 are also available online

Summary A practical guide to family law, which includes information on what to do immediately after separation, how to negotiate with your former partner, how family dispute resolution works, making the best possible arrangements for children, how to achieve a fair property settlement, and what happens at court.  It also contains samples of parenting plan provisions, court orders, forms and affidavits that can be adapted for individual use.  

Fined out: a practical guide for people having problems with fines. 5th ed

Publisher Legal Aid NSW Fined out: a practical guide for people having problems with fines.  4th ed Cover
Date 2021
ISBN 9780980612899
Price Free to public libraries
Also available Online
Summary A practical guide to the NSW fines system. It provides information about how to deal with fines and contact information for services that can help people with their fines.

How to run your own court case:  a practical guide to representing yourself in Australian courts and tribunals (non-criminal cases)

Author Nadine Behan How to run your own court case:  a practical guide to representing yourself in Australian courts and tribunals (non-criminal cases) Cover
Publisher Redfern Legal Centre Publishing, available from UNSW Bookshop
Date 2009
ISBN 9781921410833
Price Out of print
Also available Online
Summary

A simple, practical how-to guide to representing yourself in a non-criminal court or tribunal. It applies Australia-wide and covers all areas of non-criminal law, including debt, consumer claims, landlord and tenant issues, family law, and appeals of government decisions. The book can be used by both the person bringing the action and someone defending an action brought against them. 

Just a piece of paper?  Making your AVO work for you. 4th ed

Author Maree Livermore child's drawing of a dove
Publisher Southern Women’s Group
Date 2017
ISBN 9780646483863
Price Free to public libraries
Also available Online
Summary

This booklet is designed to help women understand their rights and responsibilities once they have obtained an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO), and gives suggestions and strategies for making an AVO more effective. It covers police response, the importance of reporting breaches, personal record keeping, aiding and abetting/entrapment, cross AVOs, AVOs and children, AVOs and family law, varying an AVO, and following up on police action.

The law handbook: your practical guide to the law in NSW. 15th ed

Publisher Thomson Reuters Book cover showing an illustration of a lighthouse
Date 2019
ISBN 9780455243689
Price $128.00
Also available Online
Summary

This book is the single most important plain English guide to the law in NSW. It provides a practical guide to 40 legal topics – legal issues which affect people in their everyday lives.

Neighbours and the law. 2nd ed

Author Nadine Behan Cover image of Neighbours and the law, graphic image of people and houses
Publisher LIAC, State Library of NSW 
Date 2017
ISBN 0731372379
Price Free to NSW public libraries
Also available Online
Summary

This booklet focuses on legal issues between neighbours, looking at some of the common disputes between neighbours such as boundary positions, fencing work, neighbourhood noise, and pet animals. It covers what a person’s rights are and what steps, both legal and practical, you can take to address a problem.

Author Rosemary Long and Trudy Coffey White flower on light blue backgroung
Publisher LIAC, State Library of NSW
Date 2019
ISBN 9781925831139
Price Free to public libraries
Also available Online
Summary

A plain language guide to wills, estates and funerals, dealing with issues such as how to make a will, how to change a will, how to make a power of attorney, planning ahead, probate, and how to arrange a funeral.

Seniors guide to consumer rights in NSW

Author NSW Fair Trading Seniors guide to consumer rights in NSW Cover
Date 2017
ISBN 9781921938085
Price Out of print
Also available Online
Summary

Designed for seniors, this guide gives information on shopping rights, avoiding scams, housing, building or renovating, buying and maintaining a car, and planning ahead.

Speaking for myself: planning for later life decision-making

Publisher Legal Aid NSW and the Benevolent Society, available from Legal Aid NSW Speaking for myself: planning for later life decision-making Cover
Date 2013
ISBN 9780980751727
Price Free
Also available Online
Summary A short and easy to understand guide to wills, power of attorney, enduring guardians, and advanced care directives.

Women and family law. 12th ed ONLINE ONLY

Publisher Women’s Legal Services NSW   Book cover with photos of 12 women arranged in three rows
Date 2023
ISBN 9780980762372
Price Free to NSW public libraries
Also available Online
Note

The 12th edition is online only. 

There will be significant changes to the Family Law Act 1975 in May 2024. The information provided in this 12th edition of Women and family law is specific to the current Act. An updated version will be available in hard copy and online in May 2024.

Summary An easy to read guide covering getting help, divorce, children, protection against violence and harassment, financial support for children, and property.

Women and sexual violence law. 2nd ed

Author Women's Legal Service NSW Book cover showing outlines of twelve women
Date 2023
ISBN 9780994580825
Price Free to public libraries
Also available Online
Summary

This resource has information for women and girls who have been sexually assaulted, including the meaning of sexual assault, getting medical help and counselling, reporting to the police, and the legal process.