MONEY OWED TO ME

by Wendy

Hello, I am considering suing someone for the balance of money that is owed to me. I do not have the funds to hire an attorney and the amount is over the small claims maximum. The total of the money I am looking to recover is $17,000. I have checks and bank statements showing the money that was lent originally totaled $50,000. The person paid back $33,000 of that and still has a balance of $17,000. He refuses to pay the balance back because he knows I do not have money to hire an attorney. The proof I have is very clear and he has admitted that he owes the money in front of a witness of mine. Should I try to pursue this myself? This person that owes me is very confident that he is much smarter than I am and that I will loose. I am nervous about going forward without legal advice. Anything you can provide for me would be greatly appreciated.