NextChapter Reviews

“perfectly designed software for bankruptcy

Pros

After years on an outdated bankruptcy program, the company was sold and tried to move me to their partner, Best Case. Right at that time NextChapter was in its testing phase and I volunteered. My first impression was that it was the ultimate version this type of software could achieve. Three years later, I am even more sure of that. I have never found an application so perfectly designed for its job and major credit to the team.

Cons

A few of the steps in the process are not immediately clear and take some practice but once we understand the flow, it becomes incredibly easy.

“So simple to get the hang of

Pros

The platform is so simple to get the hang of. Whenever I have a question, I can find the solution in just a couple of minutes which lets me get right back to working productively.

Cons

Since I do not use it frequently, I have not found anything to complain about. In my limited use, the experience has been completely hassle-free.

“Great layout with easy information entry

Pros

NextChapter's layout is great and entering information is pretty easy too. Also having immediate access to court notices is another big plus. The process for filing cases has also become much simpler.

Cons

My main issue is that batch downloads do not include the docket numbers on entries, even though those numbers are visible in the PACER notices section. I also wish I could file a wider variety of documents with their attachments directly through the platform.

“Way too easy and perfectly organized

Pros

It is way too easy to use and keeps everything perfectly organized. Plus the software puts all the schedules and necessary documents together in a logical way. It also streamlines the actual filing of the petition which is far easier than dealing directly with the clunky court websites.

Cons

The software itself worked flawlessly for us but I feel like a feature that lets you pick up where you left off would be helpful to quickly see the next step for a specific bankruptcy petition.

“A terrible and non compliant company

Pros

There is not a single good thing to say as they are the most terrible company I have ever dealt with.

Cons

Their payment plans are not compliant and the company took over $700 of my money that I had paid for credit reports.

“user friendly with automatic form filling

Pros

NextChapter is user friendly and easy to navigate. The system automatically fills in the required fields on the bankruptcy forms which saves a lot of time and effort. Every experience I have had with their team has been fantastic. They are always quick to respond and ready to help with any question.

Cons

Whenever I input data for lawsuits and judgment liens, the information does not automatically carry over to other sections, so I have to go back and manually review all those entries for accuracy.

“The absolute right choice!

Pros

Our firm's choice to move to Next Chapter was absolutely the right one. So many of its features have simplified my work. The automated email reminders for client paperwork and credit courses are priceless. Like I do not have to constantly track those tasks for every single client myself now. I can also text clients through the platform, so my personal number stays private. The case entry process is also clear and flexible, letting you move around sections with ease. They even offer a full online help library and a genuinely helpful chat support. We are thrilled we made the switch.

Cons

To be perfectly honest, I have not come across a single downside that's worth mentioning.

“Very simple for generating forms

Pros

Generating, printing and filing all the necessary forms is a very simple process.

Cons

We find it difficult to get past the automated chat responses and actually speak with a live person from customer service.

“highly functional software

Pros

The software is logical and highly functional. Their help section is also typically very effective when we need it.

Cons

It would be helpful if we could delete old, unused case shells when a matter does not proceed. The help documentation could also be a bit more detailed and thorough.

“pretty basic and affordable to use

Pros

It is very simple to use and navigate. For a small practice like ours that does not need a full license, the pay as you go model is both affordable and convenient for our handful of annual cases. Entering client information is also easy with the well-organized case setup and adding creditors is easy too especially since you can save frequent ones to use again.

Cons

When you first start using it, understanding how all the data connects and appears on the different schedules can be challenging. I find myself using the preview function a lot to double-check that my entries show up in the right part of the petition. So yes there is a definite learning period but after some trial and error, the whole method starts to make sense.

“Transforms legal work with efficient workflows

Pros

The platform is so easy to use. I mean NextChapter completely transforms how legal work gets done. It combines efficient workflows, powerful tools and fantastic support, making it an essential tool for any law firm.

Cons

I feel like it would be great to have a smarter search function that can guess what you are looking for, handle typos or different wording and pull up the right results faster.

“no complaints so far

Pros

I have encountered a few startup challenges, and the team is remarkably responsive within minutes. This aspect is crucial for me. The program appears to be efficient, and while it may not be fluidly easy, it functions quite seamlessly. So far, the integration of the client portal, which I consider vital, appears to be quite robust, and the single case I have filed to date uploaded without any issues. I am very pleased with my experience thus far.

Cons

While using the software, I have come across a few bugs. Every time I log in, I receive an error message that I need to click through to proceed. The names of the forms I create do not save correctly and are simply labeled as pdf 1. Also, the procedure for creating a local form requirement lacks clarity and is not very easy. There are a few other minor issues that I cannot fully remember right now, but overall, none of these have been particularly frustrating for me.

“great quality and amazing support

Pros

The product excels at managing data entry, the responsiveness to adding, deleting, or editing data is immediate. There is no buffering or timing out whatsoever. The 'help' resource is the most comprehensive I have ever encountered and is incredibly useful in guiding one through the features, offering step-by-step instructions with visuals for tasks such as e-filing.

Cons

We have recently started to utilize the My Chapter client portal feature, and so far, I find myself wishing that some changes could be implemented. For example, it would be beneficial to review the data entry in pdf format before needing to submit or accept it on the portal. Furthermore, it would be advantageous if the process did not have to be an all-or-nothing approach, allowing clients to add further information through the portal later on. While I understand the reasoning behind the current design, I am hopeful that improvements can be made in the future.

“loving my experience with nextchapter

Pros

NextChapter is an excellent value for the price. It features a good and simple-to-use interface, along with nearly all the functionalities I require for handling a typical consumer bankruptcy case.

Cons

There are certain features that would be quite helpful, such as the Chapter 13 Plan; however, these come as add-ons and can quickly increase the overall cost.

“positive experience overall

Pros

The speed of the software, its interactive layout, and the incredibly helpful customer support make for a great experience.

Cons

Entering CMI and multiple social security numbers can be a little complicated compared to the simplicity of other functions within the program. Also, I find that the points of contact in the PACER Notices need to be opened and labeled.

“hands-down the best software in its category

Pros

It requires some time to become proficient in using the software, but once the understanding clicks, one can genuinely enjoy what it has to offer.

Cons

Sometimes, I experience slowdowns while logging on due to internet issues.

“a bankruptcy law firm�s go-to tool

Pros

The simplicity of utilizing the program combined with the additional customer service are among the advantages of this program.

Cons

The program presents one drawback, which is that all the forms necessary for filing a bankruptcy should be organized in the same location as the other initial filing forms.

“super helpful for bankruptcy cases

Pros

I find it easy to input client information into the system and to keep track of clients who have filed.

Cons

When composing a message to clients, I often find myself needing to type and send multiple times in order to complete the message.

“new user, but it�s going smoothly

Pros

The cost is great for practitioners who do not file a large number of cases. It is relatively easy to use, although I am still adjusting to the differences compared to the software I used previously.

Cons

I am in the process of getting accustomed to using NextChapter, working through the differences from the previous software I used. Typically, I can figure out how the different features operate.

“great value for bankruptcy attorneys

Pros

There is no requirement to invest in expensive software or pay for licensing and updates. This option operates on a pay-per-use basis, making it affordable.

Cons

I find that I need to edit schedules for minor errors and omissions before submitting them to the court.

“affordable and reliable cloud solution

Pros

The step-by-step guides make it simple to train new employees on how to use the software. The integration of the credit report also saves time, and all schedules are easy to use.

Cons

Upon filing the Attorney Fee Disclosure, it does not always update right away. While the credit report integration is quite useful, I often find that the addresses provided are incorrect and require correction.

“amazing cloud-based tool with client portals

Pros

I truly enjoy the cloud option since the staff work remotely. The client portal is essential, clients have not faced any issues while completing their information, and the data has been populated correctly in the necessary documents. I particularly value the petition checklist that ensures all information is complete prior to petition filing.

Cons

I am not particularly pleased that only the initial filing of the petition can be processed through the program. It would be wonderful if there was a more easy way to integrate mailing documents to creditors when necessary. Completing local forms is not particularly intuitive, and I am better off downloading the Word versions from the Court's website. We faced an issue where the Suite numbers of addresses were omitted in the creditor matrix due to the client's use of "#". It would be beneficial to receive some sort of warning in this regard, as correcting this issue with the court can be quite a hassle. I would also appreciate the ability to manage files for debtor cases that we handled prior to switching to Next Chapter, as well as matters in which we represent a creditor.

“best choice for online bankruptcy prep

Pros

NextChapter offers excellent integration with our practice management software Clio, enabling online access to use the software from anywhere with an Internet connection.

Cons

Our transition from Best Case to Next Chapter has been interesting. Best Case includes a valuable feature that analyzes the monthly decrease in gross income required for a client to qualify for the means test. This analysis breaks it down over one month, two months, three months, four months, five months, or six months. While I do not consider this a dealbreaker, it would indeed be a nice feature to have.

“switching to nextchapter was the right move

Pros

The process is quite easy, allowing even beginners to handle data entry, while more experienced team members can take over for tasks like working on exemptions or means testing.

Cons

I would like the feature to file other documents through NextChapter after the petition, such as the Financial Education Certificate and Chapter 13 Plan. I have found that when working on the Means Test, I must refresh the page frequently to ensure that the calculations remain updated.

“helps you stay organized and productive

Pros

The questionnaire and document storage, along with the document creator, are helpful features.

Cons

When I click to preview the petition and notice an error, I wish there was a feature that would direct me precisely to the question that requires revision. There are times when I simply cannot locate where a specific response on the petition originated from.

“a solid, reliable tool for the job

Pros

I find it convenient to fill out forms and to populate the input data for different forms that share the same inputs.

Cons

It would be beneficial if the software could identify which exemptions, whether state or federal, are the most favorable.

“loving this product so far

Pros

I appreciate the ease of use, and the schedules and layout are visually pleasing.

Cons

There are a few areas in terms of integration and functionality that could see improvement.

“Continuously updates which makes it even better

Pros

Everything is conveniently located in one spot for each client.

Cons

The cost for a small business is somewhat on the pricey side.

“great value for the price

Pros

I appreciate this product because I hold the belief that the quality and features provided are directly related to the amount spent.

Cons

E-filing can be somewhat challenging, however, overall, the program serves well for preparing and filing bankruptcy cases.

“fastcase offers some standout features

Pros

The form-building feature is the tool I rely on the most when working with the software. It allows me to create and customize forms effectively, making my tasks much more efficient.

Cons

There are a few forms that are missing and need to be created and added to the files. At times, I need to make a phone call to determine how to gather the necessary files and prepare for filing. The previous program I used was relatively easier to navigate.

“solid choice for bankruptcy cases

Pros

It is simple to use and automatically repeats common data entries for most filings, which saves me time.

Cons

The number of bankruptcy filings has decreased a lot, and I find the software to be rather expensive, especially during periods of fewer filings.

“a must-have tool for law firms

Pros

I enjoy the fact that it is cloud-based, seems secure, and allows real-time access from anywhere.

Cons

I find that BestCase seems to be easier for me to use. Sometimes it can be a bit difficult to remember where everything is located in NextChapter, particularly regarding where to input data for it to appear on a specific form.

“nextchapter is a reliable bankruptcy solution

Pros

Filing cases is very simple. Creating, amending, and modifying a Chapter 13 plan is a fantastic feature. I particularly like that it stores all documents filed with the court.

Cons

I consider this software to be the best, so answering this question is somewhat difficult. Perhaps the only downside is that I always need to save the expenses after completing the entry.

“Pretty simple to navigate

Pros

It is easy to use. If I get stuck on where to input information, the search tools and help features function effectively. Filing cases is simple, as is uploading client documents and filing necessary documents. The forms library is excellent, and the website operates well while also being visually appealing.

Cons

We are bound to use Best Case for some of our clients, and switching back and forth between the two programs can be a challenge.

“simplifies handling bankruptcy software

Pros

The ease of use keeps me organized and efficient, making the filing of bankruptcy cases a simple process.

Cons

It would be great if the Start Basics package included court notices.

“nextchapter is seriously impressive

Pros

The helpdesk agents are fantastic! They respond quickly to my questions and are consistently very helpful.

Cons

The credit integration requests certain personal information that does not align with the structure of a nonprofit organization.