Our quarterly release is so big this time that we are breaking it off into two releases! Spring Release: Part 1 includes our latest product: NextMessage, a client text message and notification system. This new product built within NextChapter helps you stay in contact with your client as well as set up automated text recipes to send hearing reminders and more. 

In addition to this major product launch, we also deployed a number of small fixes, updates and even a few more features. Take a look below at the release notes for Part 1 of our two-part Spring Release. 

All Plans Features and Enhancements 

1. Option to enter Attorney Retainer Fees

At NextChapter, we understand that your firm needs flexibility when billing debtors. We offer two forms of billing, flat fee and hourly with a retainer. Accurately report how your firm gets paid by choosing your preferred billing method.
 

2. New Form Added to Chapter 11 Business Cases: List of Equity Security Holders

NextChapter has added a New Chapter 11 Business Cases Form: List of Equity Security Holders. This new form complements our other Chapter 11 documents well and makes it even easier for you to file your Chapter 11 cases.

3. Invoice Fee & Payments Downloads

The modern attorney needs a software that will manage payments for them. NextChapter has updated our Fees section so you can create an invoice then download an accurate payment receipt for your debtor with the click of a button.  

4. Application to Pay the Filing Fee in Installments

NextChapter is excited to introduce another way to simplify the filing process for your firm. We have added an application to pay the filing fee in installments. Once you select ‘Installments’ in the ‘Filing Information’ section, a window will appear so you can begin the application process. We’ll complete the forms for you and in a growing number of districts, we will also file it.

5. CSV download button for All Cases in Expanded Full Case List view

Have you ever wanted to access a full list of your clients outside of NextChapter? We have you covered. On your firm’s dashboard, click on the ‘All Cases’ button and you will be prompted to Full Case List View. The download CSV button is on the top-right of the list view. Once you download the CSV, you will have access to a detailed list of all of your bankruptcy cases.

6. Ability to add custom firm statuses

NextChapter is now offering a customizable way to track your firm’s cases. With ‘Firm Created Statuses” you can build firm-specific statuses to describe the progress of your cases. Create categories to describe lead source, assigned paralegal, or MyChapter Profile completion. Your firm should never be limited, make “Firm Created Statuses” conveniently in account settings. 

7. New date fields automatically added to firm calendar: IC, Signing and 341 Dates

Simplify the way you manage your initial consultation, signing appointment, and hearing dates. Enter in case-specific dates and they will automatically populate into your firm’s dashboard calendar. With the Pro and Whoa plans, seamlessly connect your Outlook, Google, or iCal to your firm’s NextChapter account. 
 

8. New Alert if the Credit Counseling Certificate is Expired Prior to Filing a New Case.

When you are ready to file your case, NextChapter alerts you if there are errors or issues prior to filing to give you ample notice to correct it prior to filing your case. We have now updated this to include an alert that will notify you if the Credit Counseling Certificate(s) are expired prior to filing. 

New Product Launch: NextMessage

NextChapter is proud to present our new product release: NextMessage: Client Texting for the Tech-Savvy Attorney
 

NextMessage is a client text message and notification system to easily communicate with your client through NextChapter. Send and receive text messages directly through your case dashboard using an assigned local phone number so everyone can access and view the messages.

Set up automatic text reminders or "text recipes" based on hearing dates, appointment dates and more! 

Enable or disable text recipes on a per-case basis and even unsubscribe your client if they do not wish to receive messages.

Receive email notifications when new texts are received. 

Pro and Whoa Plan Features

1. NextChapter Notices Updates: Option to filter, sort, organize, search and more! 

We are always looking for ways to enhance our product. NextChapter Notices Inbox, available to our Pro and Whoa customers, perfectly organizes notices sent to your firm from the court. We expanded the inbox so you can filter, organize, and search notices efficiently while avoiding Pacer fees. Your time and resources are valuable; make the most out of your bankruptcy software with NextChapter. 

2. Improved Server Communication Errors for Pro Accounts by optimizing time-tracker load times.

NextChapter believes in producing a product that your firm can navigate with ease. In order to make our bankruptcy software easier for you, we have improved server communication errors and decreased time spent on bankruptcy case filings. We are constantly adding more features to simplify the process. 
 

We are so proud to share these new features and enhancements with you and have even more in store for our Spring Release: Part 2! 

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