Close and archive a matter

Start the closure

1. Open the matter, then Closure, and choose Start closing. The button shows once the matter is open.
2. The matter takes its own copy of the firm's closure checklist: bills settled, documents indexed, originals returned, deadlines and tasks closed, and the rest.
3. Whoever does each line ticks it with a note.

What blocks the close

Under What stands in the way the tab lists each blocker in the system's own words, with a note on what may be done about it. Two kinds never mix.

Blockers that read "No permission passes this; it has to be settled first.":

• a balance on the matter's client ledger;
• a sub matter that is not closed;
• a hearing still listed after today;
• a task still open;
• a required checklist line not done.

Blockers that read "A written reason from somebody holding the override passes this.":

• unbilled work in progress;
• bills not yet paid;
• originals the firm still holds, since a will or a deed is often kept in safe custody past its matter. The line links to the matter's originals.

Close, archive, reopen

• How it ended asks for the matter's outcome, such as settled or judgment for the client, from the firm's list. The firm keeps the list under Settings, Work management, Closure checklist, Outcomes, and Outcomes by matter type in Reports counts them.
• Close matter dates the matter closed once nothing stands in the way.
• Close with a reason shows where only blockers that may be passed remain and you hold the override. The reason goes on the record.
• Archive matter asks for a reason, takes it out of the working lists and dates its file for retention from its type's years. A type that keeps its files indefinitely, as for wills and titles, archives with no destruction date.
• Reopen matter brings a closed matter back to open, with a reason on the record. Its outcome is cleared, to be chosen again when it next closes.