# Case

### Definition

Every time you start a [process](https://docs.atfinity.io/guides/glossary/process) in Atfinity, you create a new case.

There are two types of cases:

1. Creation: the outcome of the case is, when approved, the creation of a new [instance](https://docs.atfinity.io/guides/glossary/instance).
2. Lifecycle: the case, if concluded successfully, modifies an existing instance.

During the case, Atfinity asks to provide information which is part of the process, either because it's on a document or needed in a rule. The information provided by the user forms the instances of ontologies.

### Example

#### Creation

During a case, Atfinity asks for information like account type and signing place, as well as first and last name of the account holder. Providing this information leads to two instances: An account opening contract and a person who's the account holder.

#### Lifecycle

A client of a bank has moved to another country, so his/her personal information need to be updated. That's the purpose of a lifecycle process. After a lifecycle case is completed, there won't be a new instance of a person or a contract. The contract and the person stay the same, however the person's information like address and domicile have changed.