NextChapter

We are all really enjoying using NextChapter. I've uploaded a number of documents that we frequently download and use, including Client Service Agreements, Credit Counseling Instructions, Suggestions of Bankruptcy etc.

We tried Cincompass about a year ago and hated it.

We were with BestCase for over 10 years but were frustrated that there was no cloud solution for them.

Then about 2 or so years ago BestCase announced they had a "cloud solution" which was really a Citrix virtual workstation.

While Citrix "worked" it just added a whole layer of confusion and required training for my team; plus it did not have 100% uptime.

Plus, it was very expensive, starting per month and almost per month as I added users. This was on top of the BestCase maintenance agreement, which also grew over the years.

So NextChapter has been a great improvement for our firm.

The software has a few growing pains (when compared with BestCase), and you do need to adjust your workflow a bit, but not too much. That's why I give 4 instead of 5 stars for Features & Functionality, but I expect it will continue to grow and improve.

1. The ability to enter data to create statements and schedules. All bankruptcy-preparation software does this, but NextChapter is pretty good about (a) cross-populating schedules so you only have to enter data once, and (b) having default values for common items (sounds small, but saves a lot of time).
2. One-click bankruptcy filing. Naturally, you have to check and re-check your work before you're ready to file, but once you're ready, filing is a single click. Love it.
3. Texting clients and automatic text recipes. I can arrange for clients to automatically receive a text message on the day before the 341 meeting with the meeting date and time and common reminders. Cool, right?
4. All online. This is a big deal if I need to work on something from home or work on it with a paralegal.
5. Customer service really is high-end. I have used New Hope (bought by Best Case?) and Best Case, and NextChapter is on par.

NextChapter is relatively young, so it's working out some minor bugs. Nothing big, though. I wish that when I selected an exemption, it would automatically populate the exemption to be the value of the asset. Obviously, an attorney has to check this, but it would save me a mouse-movement and a click. There are some smaller bugs dealing with filing (NextChapter won't file an omnibus signature page for me), but I can probably iron those out with their concierge team (just haven't gotten around to it yet).

Having a SaaS based software was critical for our needs. I find the software to generally be intuitive and it is completely reliable. The integration with InfusionSoft and DebtorCC was nice and easy.

I would like it if there was an easier way to handle the SOFA sign-off process.

It is cloud based, and relatively easy to follow.

Sometimes it is hard to tell where the software is pulling information from. I spend a lot of time flipping back and forth from section to section to try to figure out where certain information came from.

This is a very easy program to learn. The customer support is great! If you have a question its probably in the FAQ's. If not there is someone there to help - and they answer your calls. We were having a password issue when our computer systems updated. The techs noticed and called us to see if they could help us resolve the issue. That's service! We were up and running in two seconds.

We haven't really found any cons to this software yet. With any software this is a learning curve. You have to remember to hit save after entering some data, but that is just getting to know your software.