This is a template generator, not legal advice. The Open Bankruptcy Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631) and does not provide legal representation. Output reflects only the facts you enter; review every word for accuracy before submitting anything to BBB. For advice on your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state. No attorney-client relationship is created by use of this tool.

How This Tool Works

The Better Business Bureau consumer-complaint form takes three short text blocks: a subject line (around 100 characters), a description (around 2,000-2,500 characters), and a desired resolution (around 500 characters). This generator drafts all three from a single set of inputs. The output is template language - generic structure populated with your specific facts - that you then copy and paste into bbb.org's complaint form.

For background on when BBB is the right venue, what evidence to attach, and the most common pitfalls to avoid, read the companion walkthrough first: How to File a BBB Complaint Against Your Bankruptcy Attorney. This generator is Stage 4 of the broader Multi-Surface Accountability Roadmap methodology.

Privacy: Everything you type stays in your browser. Nothing is uploaded, logged, or sent to OBP servers. Refreshing the page clears all fields.

Step 1 - Your Information (Complainant)

Your full legal name *

Your role in the matter *

If the firm's actual client was a corporation or business, do not file as "I was the client" - that misframing weakens the complaint.

Your email *

BBB requires a valid email. Not posted publicly.

Your phone *

BBB requires a phone. Not posted publicly.

Your mailing address *

Step 2 - The Firm

Firm name *

Firm address

Firm phone

Firm website

Primary attorney(s) involved *

Names of the lawyers at the firm who handled your matter. These appear in the description.

State (drives rule citation) *

If your state isn't listed, choose "Other state" - the generator will cite ABA Model Rule 1.16(d) and you can substitute your state's exact rule number.

Step 3 - The Chronology

Date representation ended (approx.)

When the firm withdrew, was terminated, or otherwise stopped representing you.

Date you sent the demand letter *

Demand-letter deadline *

The compliance deadline you set in the demand letter.

Date the firm responded

Leave blank if the firm has not responded.

Brief description of the firm's response (optional)

Optional. Useful when the firm refused, conditioned production on payment, or threatened retaliation. Keep factual; quote sparingly.

Step 4 - Records Still Being Withheld

Check every category the firm has not produced. The complaint cites the categories you select.

Signed retainer / engagement letter and fee disclosures Petition, schedules, statement of financial affairs, and means test (drafts and as-filed) Correspondence with the trustee, U.S. Trustee, and creditors Internal memos, intake notes, calendar entries, and matter notes Court orders, hearing notices, and the firm's notes from any hearing Trust-account ledgers and disbursement records relating to fees and costs Invoices, billing statements, and time-entry records All email correspondence between the firm and me, in native electronic format

These eight categories are drawn from the standard scope of a bankruptcy client file. See Why Won't My Bankruptcy Lawyer Give Me My Client File? for the full doctrine.

Step 5 - Generate

Click Generate to draft all three text blocks. They appear below with live character counters and copy-to-clipboard buttons. You can also edit the output directly before copying - the generator drafts a structure; refining the wording is your call.

Generated Output

Mid-page reminder: This is template text. Read every sentence. Replace any placeholder you do not understand. Confirm every date and name. The generator does not check accuracy; you do.

1. Subject line (BBB limit ~100 chars) 0 / 100

2. Description (BBB limit ~2,500 chars; target 1,800-2,200) 0 / 2500

3. Desired resolution (BBB limit ~500 chars; target 350-450) 0 / 500

What to Attach as Evidence

BBB allows supporting documents to be uploaded with the complaint. Reasonable attachments for an attorney complaint:

The preservation / litigation-hold letter you sent (PDF)
The formal demand letter referenced in the chronology (PDF)
The firm's response or refusal email (in original PDF format saved from your mail client - File > Print > Save as PDF)
Certified-mail receipts proving delivery (USPS green-form photo or scan)
The retainer / engagement letter if you have a copy

Do not attach: sealed court documents, internal correspondence with other attorneys you consulted (without their consent), materials covered by anyone else's attorney-client privilege, or anything that names a third party who has not agreed to be named publicly.

Final Disclaimer

This generator is an OBP public-good tool. It produces template language; it does not provide legal advice, evaluate the merits of your dispute, or guarantee any outcome at BBB or anywhere else. The Open Bankruptcy Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit (EIN 41-5159631), not a law firm. Use of this tool does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Before submitting anything to BBB, read every word of the generated output, confirm that every fact and date matches your records, and consider whether a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction should review the draft. State rules of professional conduct vary; the rule citation included in the output is provided as a starting reference only.

Related guides on bankruptcymalpractice.org:

BBB Complaint Walkthrough - the underlying doctrine
Multi-Surface Accountability Roadmap - this is Stage 4
Preservation Letter Generator - Stage 1 sibling tool
Demand Letter Generator - Stage 2 sibling tool
Bar Complaints - state disciplinary procedures (Stage 5)
Why Won't My Bankruptcy Lawyer Give Me My Client File?