Closing a Matter

Modified on Thu, 23 May at 5:45 PM

In this article:

How-To Video
Closing a Matter

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.

NOTE: Actionstep recommends building alternate close steps throughout your workflow. An alternate close step is a step that you make available as an alternative to another step of your workflow. For example, the step choices that follow an "Initial Meeting" step might be "Client Engagement" or "Closed." The more optional close steps you have throughout your workflow the easier it is to mark a matter as closed. For more information on customizing your step tree please see our Introduction to Workflows user guide articles.

How-To Video

Closing a Matter

Actionstep allows you to close tasks; however, there may be a few extra steps you need to complete 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:

In Actionstep, edit the matter you want to close. (See Editing a Matter for help.)
Verify the status of any open tasks by clicking the Tasks menu icon. The Tasks page appears.
Select the checkbox for any outstanding tasks.
Click either Status > Complete or Delete.
Confirm the action you just performed. You are returned to the task list.
Complete the steps in the workflow ribbon to move the workflow towards the Closed step.
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 for help in setting this up.
Either click the Closed step or click a step that allows you to close the matter. The Steps/Changing the Step page appears.
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. 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.

Closing a Matter

How-To Video

Closing a Matter

Related Articles: