Winter '21 Release
Another year, another release from NextChapter! Here’s everything you need to know about our latest updates and how they will improve your practice.
  • release
  • Winter '21 Release
NextChapter Team
Published on Feb 16, 2021

 

 

NextChapter is excited to showcase our Winter ’21 Release. We’ve made important updates, including redesigns and added new features, so our software is always keeping up with the needs of modern practices. Here’s what’s new.

 

 

Highly Anticipated Features

 

 

NextChapter Payments

Our long-awaited payments feature is here! Attorneys can now streamline the way they invoice clients and manage the payment process. Clients make secure payments instantly through the Client Portal so you get paid faster. Keep an eye on payment status and payment history in the intuitive Payments dashboard.

 

 

Clients can pay via credit card or ACH, with more payment options coming soon! And NextChapter Payments is connected to each case within NextChapter, so information is updated automatically so you can better manage your cases.

 

Here's how it works in a few simple steps:

 

1. Apply

Fill out a quick application in your account settings, and get approved! This typically only takes a few minutes.

 

2. Create an invoice

Simply generate a client invoice in a specific case, add in fees item by item, select the depositing account, and enter in a few other details before sending the invoice to clients via email, previewing, or downloading. You can even create a payment plan for clients with a recurring payments option.

 

 

 

3. Client pays fee

Clients can use the link you email them to access the Client Portal, where they'll view their invoice, and pay with a credit card or ACH (more payment methods coming soon). Alternatively, you can input the client's payment info and process the payment for them through NextChapter.

 

4. Notification of receipt & payment processing

Both you and your client will get a notification of receipt via email when a payment has been made.

 

Collecting legal fees is more seamless than ever with NextChapter Payments. Pricing is $.30 as a base charge per transaction, plus 2.95% of the attorney-client transaction amount. Find out more about NextChapter Payments and get started in your account settings today.

 

 

Client Portal

The Client Portal has a fresh look! Now it’s even easier for clients to move through the bankruptcy client intake portal and enter their information so that you can review everything before importing. Navigation options are more intuitive so the intake process is easier for everyone, and clients can keep track of what sections they have left to complete with simple checkmarks.

 

 

We are also including SOFA questions in the Client Portal. SOFA (Statement of Financial Affairs) is a required form that presents financial information about the debtor and recent transactions. By including SOFA questions in the Client Portal, attorneys and clients can swiftly complete the questions and provide all necessary information. For the more complicated SOFA lines, we added a Miscellaneous section where we ask trickier questions for lines 9, 12, 17, 24, 25, and 26. Turn these questions on and off, and import the text into the comments section within the case.

 

 

New Enhancements

 

NextChapter Docs Pre-Set Templates

Introduced in our Fall '20 Release, NextChapter Docs automates legal form preparation. Create custom templates, drag and drop tags that will autofill with case info, and duplicate documents in a flash with this tool. As part of the Winter '21 Release, every Docs user will get complimentary pre-set templates to make form creation even easier! Here is a list of all current pre-set templates:

  • Notice of Change of Address
  • Motion to Avoid Judicial Lien and Notice of Objection Deadline
  • Motion for Extension of Time to File Missing Documents
  • Notice of Hearing
  • Motion to Modify Chapter 13 Plan After Confirmation
  • Suggestion of Bankruptcy
  • Motion to Convert Chapter 13 to Chapter 7 with Proposed Order
  • Answer to Trustee's Motion to Dismiss
  • Answer to Motion for Relief from Stay

 

All Case Report Updates - Downloading an "All Case" report from your full case list is an easy way to view all of your client's info in one place. Now, you will see both the debtor's residential address and the joint debtor's address if applicable. This makes it even easier to send birthday cards, important notices, and more to your client via mail!

 

Federal Wildcard Exemption - Announced in Fall '20 Release, we updated this new feature for improved functionality.

 

 

Forms & Plans

We also have new forms to make our software even more comprehensive. These include new local forms, North Carolina Eastern Schedule C-1 option, a new Chapter 13 Plan for Delaware, and post-petition filing options.

 

Here is a complete list of all the new forms and plans you need to know about:

  • New Local Forms
  • Schedule C-1: North Carolina Eastern
  • New Chapter 13 Plan: Delaware
  • Post Petition Filing Options:
    • TNWB

 

Coming Soon

  • Immigration Forms

 

Webinar

Ready to learn more? We’re hosting a webinar on Monday, February 22 at 11 AM ET to walk you through each and every component of our Spring ’21 Release. Register today to save your spot!