---
title: "Matter types: Standard and Multiparty"
description: "When creating a matter in eBrief Ready, you choose between two matter types: **Standard**and **Multiparty**. This article explains what each type is, and when to use each one. ## **1. Standard matter** A **Standard** matter is the **default** matter type…"
url: "https://ebriefready.legalready.ai/knowledge/matter-types/"
updated: "2026-08-13"
category: Matter Management
---

# Matter types: Standard and Multiparty

When creating a matter in eBrief Ready, you choose between two matter types: **Standard**and **Multiparty**. This article explains what each type is, and when to use each one.

## **1. Standard matter**

A **Standard** matter is the **default** matter type in eBrief Ready. It is designed for use within the same firm or the same side of a case, where all members need access to the same documents.

Use a **Standard** matter when:

- Multiple people at the same firm are working on a case together
- You are sharing documents with counsel on the same side
- All members of the matter need to see the same document set

## **2. Multiparty matter**

A **Multiparty** matter is designed for sharing a matter with opposing parties, a mediator or the court. There are two primary documents areas

- **Private work area** — a dedicated space for each party, visible only to members of that party
- **Shared area** — where briefs and court books can be created and accessed by all parties

Use **Multiparty** matter when:

- The matter involves opposing parties, a mediator, or the court
- Different parties need access to different documents
- You need to keep certain documents private to each party

**Note**: Annotations in a Multiparty matter are private and accessible only to the party that created them. They are never shared between parties.

To convert an existing standard matter type, you have to copy it

1. From the **Matters** view, locate the matter you want to copy
2. Click the **three dots** on the right hand side of the matter
3. Select **Copy Matter**

1. Choose the recipient:
   - **Copy to myself** — creates a copy in your own account
   - **Copy to someone else** — sends the copy to another user
2. (Optional) Tick **Enable** **multiparty** if you want the copied matter to be set up as a Multiparty matter
3. Click **Copy**

Once copied, the matter can be updated as required for content, parties and settings.