Closing a Matter

In this article:

• Closing a Matter
• How-To Video

Part of the process of managing your matter workflow is closing a matter when work on it is complete. This can happen as part of the natural progression of the matter, and it can also happen when a matter just simply stops progressing. For example, perhaps you create a matter for a client, but then after the initial consult, you and the client decide not to move forward with the case. In both cases you can move a matter to the Closed status.

Closing a Matter

Actionstep Practice Management allows you to close tasks; however, you may need to complete a few extra steps before doing so. For example, if you've got any open tasks, they will need to be deleted or closed. Additionally, in your workflow ribbon, if you aren't at the step preceding the Closed step, you'll need to complete the different workflow steps to get there. 

To close a matter:

1. In Practice Management, view the matter you want to close. (See Editing a Matter for help.)
2. Verify the status of any open tasks by clicking the Tasks menu icon. The Tasks page appears.
3. If you still need to complete the task, do it now. 
4. Once the task is complete, select the checkbox for any outstanding tasks.
5. Click either Status > Complete or Delete.
   
6. Confirm the action you just performed. You are returned to the task list.
7. Complete the steps in the workflow ribbon to move the workflow towards the Closed step. (See Completing Workflow Steps in a Matter for detailed instructions.)
   NOTE:  Your admin can ensure a Close option is available on certain steps, if needed. When enabled, this option lets you move from that step in the workflow to the Closed step and bypass any steps in between. Admins can refer to the article Configuring your Workflow (Admin) for help setting this up.
8. Either click the Closed step or click a step that allows you to close the matter. The Steps/Changing the Step page appears.
9. Click Change step. The matter is closed. 

Additional information about closed matters:

• When viewing a list of matters, you can filter the list to include Current Step = Closed or Status = Closed. Any closed matters appear crossed out in the list.
  
• Once a matter is closed, a indicator with the word Closed appears at the top of the matter when you're viewing it. 
• You can also close a matter by viewing the matter, clicking the information tooltip next to the matter name, clicking Edit, and then changing the Status to Closed. (You can only use this option as long as there are no tasks or other items that need to be resolved before the matter can be closed.)
  

How-To Video

Related Articles:

• Creating a Matter
• Deleting a Matter
• About Actionstep Workflows (Admin)
• Closing a Matter FAQ