Matter Mode

 

Matter mode is a special status for the Address selector on the Address tab of the Client file. When a client's address is in matter mode, the address is saved with the matter and is not available for other matters. You can select matter mode manually. When a matter is in matter mode, the Address selector will display Matter. This mode indicates the address can be edited in the Client file instead of the Contact file. The address is stored in the Client file for the matter, but the link to the client's contact record is preserved. Statements run for the Default Bill To record will use this address when Matter Mode is selected.

Matter mode allows firms to support unique address requirements without creating additional contact records. Please keep in mind there are several disadvantages to using a matter address as a result of the address not being stored in the Contact file including the following:

• Lose the ability to maintain a unified contact database between Tabs3, PracticeMaster, and Tabs3 Trust Accounting.
• Allows non-standard information in address fields.
• Matter address is not updated if the contact's address is changed.
• Requires editing of multiple records unless you edit the base matter.
• Conflict/contact searching not as easy due to duplicates.
• When integrating PracticeMaster and Outlook, the matter address is not synchronized with your Outlook contacts.
• Can cause issues with PracticeMaster document assembly because documents coded to retrieve address information from the Contact file will not be able to retrieve address information from the Matter address in the Client file.

Changing the Address selector to display the client contact's Business, Home, or Other address and saving the record will establish use of the contact's address. However, the last used matter address for the matter is saved and can be reselected if needed.

The address can be copied to the Windows clipboard and pasted using right-click menus or standard keystroke combinations, and can be edited.

You can easily identify which clients are in matter mode by running a Client List Report and selecting the Matter Address Clients Only check box.

There are three ways in which a client's address can be in matter mode:

• Manually Set: The matter was manually set to matter mode. You can use the client's Address selector to select Matter.
• Archive Matter Address: The matter was marked inactive by selecting the Inactive check box. When a matter is marked inactive, you are given the option to archive the current address to prevent any changes to that address. This can be particularly useful when working with multiple matters for a single client where you want to preserve the address for an inactive matter. Additionally, using the Change Client Options program, you can select only inactive clients and select the Inactive and Archive Matter Address options to archive the addresses for all currently inactive clients.

 

Note: When a client is in Matter mode and set as Inactive, the Additional Bill To record's Statement Address selector will automatically be set to Matter. If the Statement Address selector is changed, it will be reverted back to Matter upon saving the record.