<prompt> Human: I want to start a discussion about the legal process to recover money. I think its relevant to PF because every legal agreement we enter into has this as an underlying component but most of us never have to resort to. I want to invite people to share, succinctly, their stories about trying to recover money from someone who defaulted defrauded them, or someone who has been on the opposite side and been sued for failure to pay.I think this will benefit readers by explaining the details of what they went through. I think a lot of people have the misconception that theyll just go to small claims to make someone pay, but I highly doubt its that easy. What were some unexpected things that you had to go through ? How much was the attorney filing fee ? Was it scary going to small claims ? Did the process even help you get your money back ? Have you ever used the legal process of taking a judgement to a bank and compelling them to deduct funds out of their bank account ? I was told you can do this, but it requires going through the US Marshalls office ? . Did you ever win but then, in hindsight, feel remorse guiltpity for the person you sued ? Was it hard separating your emotions from the business legal side ?I think there are probably some interesting stories and myths that can be dispelled. Please omit any bitterness about the process as I dont want to encourage CJing, I just want wholesome and informative stories.  <response>: Former roommate tried to skip out on the last months utilities after they moved out of the house in which we were living. After a month of sending emails and leaving messages I got fed up and filed in small claims - just had to fill out some forms and drop them off at the courthouse. Total was something like 200 for electricity, cable, and watersewer. It was 46 to file a small claims case in Virginia, plus I paid an additional 8 to have a sheriff serve the papers, for extra shock value. The day after service, the ex-roommate called me and apologized and said a check was in the mail. When the check arrived and cleared, I retracted the case. Pretty simple. 