Small claims courts often have favorable laws governing venue. In California it can be especially onerous (for the defendant) but I believe New York has a simi

Small claims courts often have favorable laws governing venue. In California it can be especially onerous (for the defendant) but I believe New York has a similar arrangement. You may be able to file in your county/city, which, if it differs from your client's, creates an additional perceived cost of fighting the claim. However, one thing to keep in mind is that even when you win, you still have to collect. It's just "easier" to collect (or sell the debt at even more of a discount) when a judge or arbitrator has evaluated your case and ruled in your favor. You should have some terms associated with your invoices. Don't be afraid to start invoicing for the additional 1.5% or whatever per month after your invoice term has passed. I'd recommend doing the least possible and getting another engagement ASAP. Spending time on this is going to reduce your effective hourly rate as well as cost you the opportunity to earn income from a paying client. If you can't spend a few hundred on a bad lawyer printing out a Nolo Press form letter, your financial situation is dire enough that you need to focus on getting billable hours. The 'Fuck You, Pay Me' session (https://vimeo.com/22053820 https://vimeo.com/22053820) is worth watching to prepare yourself for engagements going forward. You still should invest in an attorney, but at the start of the engagement, when everyone is still in love.