Managing Matters & Clients
A “matter” in CaseHug is a single client case — one client, one set of documents to collect, one intake process. This guide covers everything from creating your first matter to archiving completed cases and finding them again later.
How to create a matter
- 1Navigate to Dashboard → Matters and click the 'New Matter' button in the top right corner.
- 2Enter a matter title. This is for internal use — your client won't see it. A good format: 'Client Name — Case Type' (e.g., 'Johnson v. Johnson — Divorce').
- 3Select the case type from the dropdown. Current options include: Divorce (Standard), Divorce (Business Owner), Custody Only, Child Support Calculation, and Post-Decree Modification.
- 4Select the state from the dropdown. If the case is in a specific county, you can optionally select it too. CaseHug uses the state to load jurisdiction-specific document requirements.
- 5Under 'Client,' search for an existing client by name or email. If the client is new, click 'Create New Client' and enter their name, email, and phone number.
- 6Click 'Create Matter.' CaseHug generates the matter, creates a default document checklist based on your selections, and takes you to the matter detail page.
💡 You can create a matter without a client attached. Some firms create the matter first, then add the client later after the initial consultation.
How to add a client
Clients can be added during matter creation or independently from the Clients section.
During matter creation:
- 1. In the 'Client' section of the New Matter form, type the client's name or email in the search box.
- 2. If no match is found, click 'Create New Client.'
- 3. Enter the client's first name, last name, email address, and phone number.
- 4. Click Save. The client is created and linked to the matter.
From the Clients section:
- 1. Go to Dashboard → Clients and click 'New Client.'
- 2. Fill in the client's details and click Create.
- 3. You can then link this client to any matter from the matter's detail page.
Matter statuses explained
Each matter has one of the following statuses:
The matter is open and intake is in progress. The intake link is live and the client can upload documents. This is the default status for new matters.
The matter has been created but the intake link hasn't been sent yet, or the client hasn't started the intake process. Some firms use this status for matters in the pre-consultation stage.
All required documents have been collected and approved. Intake is done. The matter remains accessible but is no longer actively collecting documents.
The matter is closed — either the case concluded, the client disengaged, or you've archived it. Closed matters don't count against your active matter limit.
💡 Only Active and Pending matters count against your plan's active matter limit. Complete and Closed matters don't. Archive generously.
How to archive a matter
- 1. Open the matter from Dashboard → Matters.
- 2. Click the '⋯' menu in the top right corner of the matter detail page.
- 3. Select 'Archive Matter' from the dropdown.
- 4. Confirm the action in the dialog. The matter status changes to 'Closed' and it moves to your archived matters list.
- 5. Archived matters are still fully accessible — you can view all documents, activity, and client information. They just no longer appear in your active pipeline.
How to search and filter matters
The Matters list page includes a search bar and filter controls to help you find what you're looking for quickly.
Search
Type any part of a matter title, case number, or client name in the search box. Results update as you type.
Filter by status
Use the status filter to show only Active, Pending, Complete, or Closed matters. The default view shows only Active matters.
Filter by case type
Filter the list by case type to see all divorce matters, all custody matters, etc.
💡 Every matter gets an auto-generated case number (e.g., CH-2025-0042). You can search by this number to find a specific matter instantly.
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