Paid Divorce Lawyer Who's Been Dodging Me For A Year, Just Found Out Nothing Was Properly Filed - Need Advice About Malpractice Lawsuit Or What To Do

I need advice about a nightmare situation with my divorce lawyer in Pittsburgh. What started as a seemingly straightforward divorce has turned into a complete mess, and I just discovered most of what I was told was false. In late 2022, I hired a lawyer in Pittsburgh for my divorce and a PFA case. He was part of a firm where my parents had previously received services and recommended him. Red flags appeared immediately. After signing the retainer agreement, I repeatedly requested copies of my file and any documentation of work done. He consistently refused, stating he "doesn't send anything until it's done." I never received a single document, not even a copy of the retainer agreement. I made regular installment payments, marking each check "divorce." My attempts to get updates were met with: * Unreturned calls and messages * Office staff saying he'd call back (he never did) * Rushed phone calls with excuses to get off the phone * General excuses like "these things take time" and "it's being processed" I resorted to calling from different phone numbers just to reach him. Even then, he'd make up excuses to end the call. In February 2024, my father confronted him about the lack of communication. The lawyer claimed he'd been trying to reach me for more money to file, alleging he'd sent a letter to a previous address (which I never provided). He demanded $690 to "hit submit" on my case. I paid, despite being the one constantly trying to contact him via calls, texts, emails, and in-person payment drop-offs at his office. In January 2025, I contacted the Allegheny County Family Division directly and discovered: * The initial February 2023 filing was never properly served (unsigned/undated green card). * After taking the extra $690, he simply resubmitted the same flawed service attempt, describing it as "left with individual" (still improper service in PA). * Basic required divorce documents were never filed. The court emailed me a list of missing documents. He consistently told me "everything's filed, these things just take time," but I never saw a single document from my case. I have payment records, texts showing my communication attempts, and the court's email confirming the lack of proper filing. I also discovered that many negative reviews and online presence for this lawyer have recently vanished.

What should my next steps be? Should I pursue malpractice or just do a complaint, fire him and finish my divorce myself?