>>One warning, however. Going to court is very expensive. That's not a problem if you can afford it and if you win, because the losing party will also (likely) have to pay those costs. However, it may be the case that the client is about to go broke, without that you know of this, and that the bankruptcy happens a week before you would be in court. In that case, you can even say goodbye to the money you spent on the law suit. The chance that the client does have financial problems is quite big, because else paying you would probably not be a problem.
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>>All things I said here are applicable in Holland, and things may be different where you live.
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>Here in the States, there are several levels of court, including one that's designed specifically for small cases. The fees are low, and so is the limit of what it can consider. It's perfect for something like this, if the amount in question is small enough.

Tamar, my reaction hereunder is not directed to you personally, but is my advice to 'all'.

Here in Holland, for any dispute about an amount above 5000 euro the court demands that a lawyer does the case. IMO, that number should be higher.

A lawyer's fee is here approx. 150 euro per hour.

My advice is to give the lawyer copies of all relevant material and ask for an opinion about the best strategy. But also, order him (him/her) to initially spend not more than one hour on this. Don't try to convince the lawyer. Think of him as an employee and tell what you expect to be the arguments in court. If he doesn't agree, then he's either very good (and you will easilly accept the counter arguments) or not worth to be your lawyer (or you are simply expecting too much). Take care not to speak like an advocate to convince your advocate. All minutes that you talk and talk cost you precious money, even the minutes talking about the weather and sports.

I no longer work with one lawyer. I pay an annual fee to a buro and I can always ask them for advice. Some are 'free' (since I pay the annual fee), some cost money, but the tariffs are lower. If I have to go to court, the fee will be approx. 90 euro for a real lawyer.