8 months without filing, another firm filed in 2 days
tldr: paid in full in April by November file had not been filed, was told that I didn't qualify for a Ch 7 and recommended a Ch 13 instead. Had to seek outside legal opinions that were contrary to what I was being told. They were unable to file my case and another firm filed within 2 days.
I went in April and they reviewed my statements and disability income. Signed an agreement that stated they would start working on my file upon completion of payment. I provided updated documents and had to probe to ask for an update on the case. I had to follow up multiple times to get a response and with a list of questions about my case and would get a one-sentence response. By Sept/Oct I was told I did not meet the qualifications for a Ch 7 means test (using the same information that was provided at the initial consult). There was a major clerical error on my case. I was also given advice on a strategy that would help me qualify (including higher expenses). Upon consulting with 3 (THREE) attorneys and my own research (a few hours--you would think that having paid, an attorney would do the legal work) I received l contradicting information. Upon explaining the BK rules, I was told I still would not qualify. Upon the attorney checking in with a partner at the firm, the attorney then realized the rules for one of the forms. At this time I had already lost confidence in the firm's ability to move my case forward and had another attorney file my case (all done within 2 days).
Bankruptcy is a very emotional, embarrassing, and difficult process. This took quite a toll on my mental health. I was not provided updates and had to follow up to get updates--sometimes 2-3 follow up emails. For a law firm, I would have expected more professionalism, legal expertise, and experience. Particularly for a firm that has a strong digital presence.
Ultimately, I ended up having to file with another attorney. Upon asking for a refund I was told that I wouldn't get a refund for the time they had spent on my case. It's unfortunate that that much time was spent on the case and they were still unable to successfully file.
The contract states the process to file a disagreement through an independent review board. I asked to go through the process. I was told that any money that I could collect would go to the bankruptcy estate. I asked to still move forward, I was told I had lost my rights for filing a dispute. I asked for the law itself (you know since I had to seek outside legal opinions previously), I was told that he was not my attorney. That was how I felt throughout the process.
I was led to believe that a firm with such a strong digital presence would be a reliable firm. If you do reach out, I highly recommend seeking multiple opinions. I was also able to file for a lower fee than what I had paid this firm.