I worked on a contract (computer programming) about five months ago and the business owner is not paying me. The business owner claims not to have the money. Every time I contact him, I get another excuse for not having the money. I'm just starting as an independent contractor, and I have no idea what to do. I'm in no position to have someone financing his business on me. I try to stay on the guy's 'good' side, as you don't want to anger someone who owes you money, but this doesn't seem to work. I want my money, what do I do?

What is the dollar amount of the contract that remains unpaid?

Some small claims courts will accept cases up to around $4,000 and, you can sue there without an attorney.

If it is much more than that, you would need an attorney to file the suit in civil court.

If you need some help with a small claims filing, let me know.

You need to sue him. What were the terms of your contract?