New Case Wizard

The New Case Wizard simplifies the basic task of creating a new case. Once complete, further case details may be entered after the case database is created by the wizard.

Step 1: Open the New Case Wizard

To create a new case, any open case must first be closed. The New Case Wizard may be started by selecting "New" from the File Menu or selecting the New Case Icon from the Case Toolbar.

A blank case may be created by selecting "Standard Template" from the Use Template Selector. If you have made a "boilerplate" case using frequently used fields and data, it may be substituted for a blank case or if you wish, another case can be "Saved As..." to create a new case. This may be a timesaver when creating multiple cases for a single client or when an action is similar to another case. In the new case you would simply change or delete unneeded data. The original case file is in no way affected when creating a new case.

Select a case to use as a template by selecting "Based on an existing case file..." Then press the button marked "Select..."

Once you have selected the case, the case name is displayed in the Template frame. Press the OK button to start the New Case Wizard.

When creating a new case based on another case, the original case's data is in place in the New Case Wizard fields. Simply change the data to suit the new case. Again, the original case file is in no way affected. This is just a new copy of it.

Step 2: Enter the Plaintiff Name

Enter the Plaintiff for the case as it will appear in the case style. Press "Next."

Step 3: Enter the Defendant Name

Enter the Defendant for the case as it will appear in the case style. Press "Next."

Step 4: Select Cause of Action

Select the Cause of Action and Area of Practice. Press "Next."

Step 5: Enter Case and Case Matter Number

Enter reference numbers for your case. Press "Next." If preferred, these numbers may be entered later.

Step 6: Enter Fee and Billing Information

Enter the billing information for this case. Select the basis of fee from the drop down list and if an hourly rate or flat fee is selected, enter the amount of the fee. If preferred, these items may be entered later in the case setup window. Press "Next."

Step 7: Examine the results and Finish

Press "Finish" to save the new case to a disk file.

Final Step: Save Case to Disk

The filename will be auto created but may contain characters which cannot be used in Windows filenames. If an error occurs when trying to save the case, remove any illegal characters (/,\, *, etc.) from the filenames in the "Save As..." dialog box. Press the "Save" button to create the file and open the new case.

Once the case has been saved, a confirmation message will appear.

Press the "OK" button to begin working in the new case file.