In Sept '10, we loaned $6000. to a friend, who said he'd pay it back in a month. Now, it has been 6 months. He did pay us $500 over a month ...

Question

In Sept '10, we loaned $6000. to a friend, who said he'd pay it back in a month. Now, it has been 6 months. He did pay us $500 over a month ago, but now he won't answer his phone or contact us. I have left several messages on his cell phone--no response. I even wrote him a letter--no response. My question: what do we have to do to get a garnishment against his earnings or a lien against his earnings/property? We do not want to go to small claims court. The limit here is $3000, and a judgement does not guarantee that you'll get your money. The man is a general contractor and we know that he has money coming in.

Answer

Your best option is to file suit in your county circuit court. It's going to cost some money for filing fee, but you can seek damages over $3000. And if you receive a Judgment against him, you can look to file a judgment lien against any property or bank accounts he owns. Good luck.