Create a matter

Creating a matter is the first step in tracking a case. Once it exists, your team can add people, documents, events, and more.

1. Go to Matters (or your org's term) and click New Matter.
2. Choose a case type if your org has more than one — this can't be changed after saving.
3. Fill in the intake form:
   • Title (required)
   • Jurisdiction, Division, Judge/Court, Filed Date as applicable
   • Case Number (optional; must be unique across your org)
   • Tags and any custom fields your org collects
   Which fields appear depends on the case type — fields your org hasn't enabled won't show.
4. Click Create.
5. If a form opens right after saving, your org requires it for this case type — complete it to reach the matter's detail page.

After creating: from the matter's detail page, assign staff (Team Members), add participants (Add Client / Party / Contact), and start adding documents, notes, events, and tasks.

⚠️ If you're an org admin, you won't be auto-assigned — non-admin creators are added to the case team automatically, but admins must add themselves from Team Members to see it in their caseload.

Note: Case type is permanent once saved. Case Numbers must be unique. Adding participants is a separate step from creating the matter.

Trouble? Contact your case worker or email support@getsunlight.org.