States of a Matter

The different states of a matter in a workflow system:

1. Matter Creation: When a new matter is created, it appears on the screen but does not necessarily commence. This state allows for tasks like conflict checks or other preparatory work. By default, new matters are set to commence immediately, but this can be configured otherwise.
2. Matter Commencement: Once a matter is commenced, all specified requirements (e.g., adding plaintiff and defendant contacts, filling in required fields) must be met. If a matter is only created but not commenced, these requirements can be fulfilled later.
3. Matter Conclusion: After completing the work on a matter, it can be concluded. Concluding a matter signals to the system that active work is finished, causing it to drop off active work lists.
4. Matter Archival: Once all records and payments are finalized, the matter can be archived. Archiving removes the matter from main lists, preventing new transactions or document uploads and marking it as historical.
5. Matter Destruction: Destruction of a matter typically occurs after seven years. This process minimizes data size by deleting documents and cleaning up time records and invoices while retaining financial records. Destruction only becomes functional after the matter has been archived for the designated period.

The lifecycle states of a matter are:

• Matter Created
• Matter Commenced
• Matter Concluded
• Matter Archived
• Matter Destroyed

Certain prerequisites must be met before transitioning between states, such as commencing a matter before concluding it and archiving it before destruction. The system may have configurable settings for archival and destruction timelines, and any physical document handling must be managed outside the system.