In a world as complex as insolvency it is important to have a number of associates that you can call on. Over the years I have made a small number of useful contacts. The following paragraphs explain some of the associate groups that I am in contact with and why I make a point of seeking and maintaining relationships with them.
Although insolvency solicitors are available to advise bankrupts on legal issues it is more common for an insolvency solicitor to be instructed by a creditor or a licensed insolvency practitioner. Unfortunately it is sometimes the case that a bankrupt and his/her family will need legal advice during a bankruptcy. The problem with this is that as a bankrupt you will find it difficult to afford such advice.
Should the circumstances warrant it, I would have no hesitation in placing you in contact with a reputable insolvency solicitor.
As already discussed, insolvency often ventures into other areas of law. Examples of this would be challenging a personal guarantee or a commercial agreement. For this you would need to speak with a commercial solicitor.
For people that are self employed, in business or have tax issues then an accountant may well be needed. This may be of particular importance before deciding on bankruptcy when you would need to establish a tax liability. If you need tax help and you cannot afford an accountant or tax specialist then I may be able to refer you to sources of free help.
Every adviser will encounter the situation where the advice required is beyond their capability at some point in their career. Acknowledging this fact is often the difference between a good adviser and a bad adviser.
When an adviser encounters such a situation it is important that they are able to seek help from someone who can offer specialist help. This may be a specialist debt adviser, a licensed insolvency practitioner or another professional.
As a bankrupt it is not uncommon for you to have difficulty finding a bank account. Through the contacts I have in the banking world I have been able to provide resources and information that will hopefully help you.