Note: General retainers are typically supported for U.S. firms only.

Money in a general retainer can be moved between matters to pay bills for the same client.

NOTE:  Make sure the matter you are transferring the funds to has its general retainer enabled. If not, complete the instructions in Setting Up General Retainers.

Before you begin:

• General retainers must be enabled in your system. See Setting Up General Retainers to learn more.

To transfer retainer funds:

1. In Actionstep Practice Management, click the global Create button and choose Transfer from the Retainers section. (You may need to click Show all to view this option.) The Transfer Retainer window appears.
2. Enter the Date of the transfer. 
3. Click the From matter drop-down list and choose the original matter.
4. Enter the Transfer amount.
5. Enter a Memo describing the reason for the transfer (or click Quick-Code to choose from pre-existing reasons.)
6. In the Transfer to table, select the matter to which you’d like to transfer the funds. To distribute funds between multiple matters, click Add row and select additional matters.
7. Click Save to apply the transfer.

Additional Resources:

• Setting Up General Retainers
• Receiving Funds in a General Retainer
• Paying Bills Using General Retainer Funds
• Refunding a General Retainer
• Replenishing a General Retainer

Updated June 01, 2026 17:00