#Short answer
Archiving keeps the matter record and related history but marks it inactive. Deleting attempts to remove the matter and may be blocked or unsafe when related records exist. In legal practice, archiving is usually the correct choice for closed matters.
Practice note: Closed matters often still contain important billing, deadline, evidence, and history records. Archive rather than delete unless you are certain deletion is appropriate.
#How to use this in practice
- Open the relevant Beagle section or setting described above.
- Confirm you are working in the correct firm, client, matter, or date range.
- Enter or review the information carefully before saving, billing, exporting, or relying on the record.
- If the item affects billing, trust funds, deadlines, or case history, review it a second time before sending anything to a client or using it for a report.
#What to watch for
- Beagle is designed to preserve law-office context. Prefer accurate, plain-language descriptions over shorthand only you understand.
- If a record is connected to billing, a client, or a matter, changes may affect reports, invoices, or matter history.
- When in doubt, archive inactive records rather than deleting them.