I billed a client last fall and now they are refusing to pay the final $1200. How long can I wait to file a case? I will be out of town frequently for the next month and I don't want to miss the court date. Can I wait till April to file in NYC?

i billed a client last fall and now they are refusing to pay the final $1200. how long can i wait to file a case? I will be out of town frequently for the next month and I don't want to miss the court date. can i wait till april to file in NYC?

In the state of New York, you have six years from the date of the last payment:
New York Statutes of Limitations (http://www.statuteoflimitations.net/new_york_statute_of_limitations.htm)

You can always file now and if the court schedules on a date that you won't be in town, you can request that the hearing be scheduled at a later date.