Bankruptcy attorneys have a very specific workflow.
I know because I have spent countless hours walking through work flow with bankruptcy lawyers.
A good bankruptcy practice usually needs intake, document collection, creditor information, means test calculations, exemptions, petition preparation, court notices, client communication, and electronic filing.
That is why bankruptcy filing software matters so much.
I have spent a lot of time around bankruptcy attorneys, paralegals, and software workflows, and one thing becomes obvious pretty quickly: every firm has its own way of getting cases from intake to filing. Some firms want flexibility. Some want speed. Some want a familiar system that has been around for years. Others want newer cloud based tools that can reduce manual work.
In this article, I will cover several bankruptcy filing software options attorneys may come across:
- Best Case
- Fresh Start Finance
- Jubilee
- Next Chapter
- Glade AI
This is meant to be informational. I am not saying which software anyone should use because the right fit depends on the firm, the case volume, the staff, the chapters filed, the jurisdictions, and how the office actually works day to day.
What Is Bankruptcy Filing Software?
Bankruptcy filing software helps attorneys prepare, review, manage, and file bankruptcy cases.
At a basic level, the software usually helps generate the official bankruptcy forms. But many platforms now go beyond simple form preparation. Depending on the product, a bankruptcy software platform may include:
- Client intake questionnaires
- Document upload portals
- Credit report imports
- Creditor databases
- Means test calculators
- Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, or Chapter 13 form preparation
- Court notice management
- Calendar tools
- Electronic filing
- Client messaging
- Payment integrations
- Task management
- Case tracking
For many firms, the biggest question is not simply, “Can this software prepare bankruptcy forms?” The bigger question is, “Can this software fit the way our firm actually handles cases?”
The best bankruptcy softwares for your legal practice may depend on what features you are looking for and the cost.
That is where the differences between the platforms become important.
1. Best Case Bankruptcy Software
Best Case is one of the most established names in bankruptcy filing software.
Many bankruptcy attorneys are familiar with Best Case because it has been used widely across the industry for years. Best Case by Stretto offers bankruptcy case preparation, form preparation, electronic filing, client intake, court notices, calendar tools, task management, custom forms, and other workflow features.
One thing that is different about Best Case is that attorneys may think about it in two different ways: Best Case Desktop and Best Case Cloud. Some attorneys have long used the desktop version, while others may be evaluating the cloud option.
The desktop version has a reputation for being flexible and familiar to many bankruptcy practices. The cloud version is aimed at moving more of that workflow online.
Features Attorneys May Look At
Best Case may include or support:
- Bankruptcy form preparation
- Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 related workflows
- OneTouch electronic filing
- Client portal and intake questionnaire
- Document exchange
- Court notices and calendar integration
- Case templates
- Custom forms editor
- Task and notes management
- Credit and financial report integrations
- Due diligence reports
- Legal noticing services
Because Best Case has been around for a long time, many firms may already have internal processes built around it. For those firms, the question may be less about learning a brand new category and more about whether their current Best Case workflow still matches how they want to practice.
2. Fresh Start Finance Bankruptcy Software
Fresh Start Finance is another online bankruptcy filing software option built for attorneys.
The focus is on helping bankruptcy attorneys move from intake to filing with less manual work. The software is designed to automate parts of the filing process while still giving the firm flexibility in how it prepares cases.
Fresh Start Finance highlights real time schedule updates, online access, automated filing preparation, exemption settings, document uploads, client intake tracking, and electronic filing.
One thing I personally like about the direction of this type of software is that bankruptcy is very form heavy, but it is also very workflow heavy. Attorneys are not just asking clients questions. They are collecting documents, reviewing data, applying exemptions, checking for missing information, preparing schedules, and making sure the case is ready to file.
Fresh Start Finance appears to focus heavily on that practical workflow.
Features Attorneys May Look At
Fresh Start Finance may include or support:
- Online bankruptcy filing software
- Client intake questionnaire
- Intake progress tracking
- Automated form preparation
- Real time schedule updates
- State or federal exemption settings
- Secure document requests and uploads
- Two way SMS client messaging
- Internal notes and collaboration
- Court notice and case progress tracking
- Template based workflows
- Electronic filing
Fresh Start Finance also emphasizes flexibility with bankruptcy forms, creditor information, and attorney specific workflows. That may be relevant for firms that want software that can handle more complex or less standard case facts without requiring excessive workarounds.
3. Jubilee Bankruptcy Software
Jubilee is another bankruptcy software platform attorneys may consider.
Jubilee prepares official bankruptcy forms and supports Chapters 7, 11, 12, and 13. It also includes electronic filing, step by step data entry, bankruptcy calculators, creditor database tools, vendor integrations, court notices, legal payments, electronic signatures, and client communications.
Jubilee appears to be built around both filing and case management, which can matter for firms that want more than just petition preparation.
Features Attorneys May Look At
Jubilee may include or support:
- Chapter 7, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, and Chapter 13 forms
- Electronic filing
- Step by step data entry
- Repeated field auto population
- USPS address verification
- Bankruptcy calculators
- Means test calculator
- Creditor database
- Court notices
- Legal payments
- Electronic signatures
- Client communications
- Vendor integrations
- Support resources
Jubilee may be especially relevant for firms that want filing tools combined with operational features such as payments, communications, court notices, and integrations.
4 NextChapter Bankruptcy Software
NextChapter is one of the better known cloud based bankruptcy software options for attorneys.
The platform is built around preparing, managing, and filing bankruptcy cases online. Since it is web based, attorneys and staff can use it from different devices without relying on traditional desktop software. For firms that want cloud access, that can be an important part of the workflow.
NextChapter includes features such as bankruptcy case preparation, client intake, ECF integration, payments, document generation, credit report tools, client texting, and other law firm workflow tools.
One thing that stands out about NextChapter is that it positions itself as a modern cloud based bankruptcy platform. That may appeal to firms that want to avoid older desktop only workflows and prefer to manage more of the case online.
Features Attorneys May Look At
NextChapter may include or support:
- Cloud based bankruptcy case preparation
- Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 case workflows
- Online client intake
- ECF integration
- Client portal tools
- Client texting
- Credit report related tools
- Payment tools
- Document generation
- Case management features
- Access from Mac, Windows, tablets, and mobile devices
For attorneys who want software that is accessible from different devices, the cloud based structure is one of the main things to understand about NextChapter.
5. Glade AI Bankruptcy Software
Glade AI is a newer bankruptcy software option that focuses heavily on artificial intelligence and automation.
Glade positions itself as an AI native bankruptcy case management platform. Its public materials describe workflows around intake, document intelligence, form preparation, petition packets, means test information, creditor records, CM/ECF filing, and post filing tasks.
The most obvious difference with Glade AI is the emphasis on AI agents and document automation. Instead of only being a traditional form preparation platform, Glade’s messaging focuses on using AI to help collect information, parse documents, extract data, organize income information, prepare forms, and assist with bankruptcy workflow automation.
Features Attorneys May Look At
Glade AI may include or support:
- AI native bankruptcy case management
- Client intake workflows
- Document upload tools
- AI document review
- AI document data extraction
- Paystub and income data organization
- Bankruptcy petition packet generation
- Means test related calculations
- Creditor record workflows
- CM/ECF filing
- Post filing follow up tasks
- Automated client follow ups
- Payment and invoice reminders
For firms evaluating AI tools, the key issue is not just whether the software can automate work. Attorneys also have to think carefully about review, accuracy, supervision, client confidentiality, and professional responsibility. AI can be useful, but attorneys still need a process to verify the work before anything is filed.
Common Features to Compare Across Bankruptcy Filing Software
Although each software has a different feel, most attorneys are probably comparing similar categories.
1. Filing Capabilities
The first question is whether the software supports the chapters your firm files.
Some firms only file Chapter 7 cases. Others handle Chapter 13 cases every day. Some firms need Chapter 11 or Chapter 12 support as well. Before looking at the rest of the platform, the software has to support the actual case types your firm handles.
2. Court and ECF Integration
Electronic filing is a major part of bankruptcy software.
Attorneys may want to understand whether the platform supports direct filing, how it handles CM/ECF, whether it works across the districts the firm files in, and how it handles emergency filings, amendments, and post petition filings.
3. Client Intake
Client intake can make or break the workflow.
If the intake is easy for the client, the firm may get better information earlier. If the intake is confusing, staff may spend more time chasing missing details. A good intake workflow can help with schedules, statements, means testing, assets, debts, income, expenses, transfers, lawsuits, and other case facts.
4. Document Collection
Bankruptcy cases require a lot of documents.
Paystubs, tax returns, credit counseling certificates, bank statements, vehicle documents, mortgage statements, lawsuits, collection notices, and other records may all matter. Some software platforms include client portals or document upload tools, while others may require separate systems.
5. Creditor Management
Creditor information can be one of the most time consuming parts of a case.
Attorneys may want to compare how each software handles creditor databases, creditor addresses, credit report imports, Schedule D, Schedule E/F, creditor matrix formatting, and repeated creditor information across cases.
6. Means Test and Income Calculations
Income calculations can be tedious, especially when clients are paid weekly, biweekly, semi monthly, irregularly, or through multiple income sources.
Software that helps calculate income, apply the correct household information, and prepare the means test can save time. But attorneys still need to review the inputs and confirm the calculations are accurate.
7. Exemptions
Exemptions are another area where workflow matters.
Some attorneys want the ability to set default exemptions, choose state or federal exemptions, apply local rules, and avoid repeating the same selections over and over. The right workflow depends heavily on the state, the case facts, and the attorney’s review process.
8. Court Notices and Calendar
After filing, the work does not stop.
Court notices, 341 meetings, deadlines, claims, trustee requests, confirmation hearings, amendments, and post filing tasks all need to be tracked. Some bankruptcy software tools include court notice and calendar features, while other firms may rely on separate practice management software.
9. Client Communication
Many firms use texting, emails, client portals, reminders, and document request templates to keep cases moving.
If communication tools are not built into the bankruptcy software, the firm may need a separate CRM, texting platform, payment platform, or practice management system. That is not necessarily bad, but it can add complexity.
10. Staff Workflow
The best software on paper may not be the best fit for a specific office.
A solo attorney may want something simple and fast. A high volume Chapter 13 firm may need more automation, staff permissions, task management, and reporting. A firm with experienced paralegals may value flexibility. A newer firm may value guided workflows and support.
Desktop vs Cloud Based Bankruptcy Software
One of the biggest differences between bankruptcy software platforms is whether the software is desktop based, cloud based, or a mix of both.
Desktop Software
Desktop software may appeal to firms that want a familiar, established workflow. Some attorneys like the control and flexibility of desktop tools, especially if the firm has used them for years.
The downside is that desktop software can be harder to access remotely and may require more local setup.
Cloud Based Software
Cloud based software can usually be accessed from a browser and may be easier for distributed teams, remote staff, or attorneys who want to work from multiple devices.
The tradeoff is that the firm needs to be comfortable with the platform’s online workflow, security model, permissions, and feature set.
AI Based or AI Assisted Software
AI based bankruptcy software is a newer category.
These tools may help with document review, data extraction, intake, form preparation, and automated follow ups. The potential benefit is speed and reduced manual entry. The important caution is that attorneys still need to review and supervise the work carefully.
Bankruptcy Filing Software Is Not Just About Forms
The biggest mistake is thinking bankruptcy software is only about forms.
Forms matter, but the real workflow is much bigger.
A bankruptcy case may start with a lead, move into consultation, then intake, then document collection, then credit report review, then petition preparation, then attorney review, then filing, then post filing tasks.
If any part of that workflow breaks down, the firm may spend hours fixing it manually.
That is why attorneys often compare bankruptcy filing software based on the full case lifecycle rather than just the petition packet.
Final Thoughts
There are several bankruptcy filing software options attorneys may use, including NextChapter, Fresh Start Finance, Best Case, Jubilee, and Glade AI.
Each platform has a different history, workflow, and focus.
NextChapter is a cloud based bankruptcy software platform with tools for preparing, managing, and filing cases online. Fresh Start Finance focuses on online filing workflows, automation, intake, document collection, and flexibility for attorneys. Best Case is one of the most established names in bankruptcy software, with desktop and cloud options. Jubilee combines bankruptcy form preparation with filing, court notices, payments, communications, and other practice tools. Glade AI focuses on AI native bankruptcy case management and automation.
The best way to evaluate bankruptcy filing software is to look at how your firm actually works.
How many cases do you file? Which chapters do you handle? How much work does staff do manually? Do you need remote access? Do you want built in texting, payments, notices, and document collection? Do you prefer a flexible system or a guided workflow? Do you need AI automation, or do you want a more traditional filing platform?
Bankruptcy software can save time, reduce duplicate data entry, and help organize the filing process. But the right fit depends on the attorney, the staff, the cases, and the workflow behind the scenes.