how to get documents returned that were never filed

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Texas

What recourse do i have to get documents and paperwork returned from an attorney i hired to file them. shortly after i sent them to the attorney, he decided to close his practice, it took almost a year for me to find this out. the paperwork was never filed.

The paperwork obviously wasn't that important or you would have taken action by now. Hard to believe no forwarding address was provided for the "leftovers" from his practice. You can try going through the State Bar to see what if anything they have on him.

the lawyer and his office had my address and contact info. i did try to get in contact with the lawyer through phone, email and ceritifed letter, when that did not work i filed a complaint with the state bar and that is how i found out that he had closed his practice.