Urgent: company not paying final paycheck

I publish illustrative scenarios prepared by my practice. All participants and conversations are fictional. The fictional posts are not posts by real users, accounts of client experiences, or reports of actual results.
Illustrative scenario prepared by my practice.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hypothetical question

I've been trying to resolve this on my own but I'm stuck.

company not paying final paycheck. I've been dealing with this for about 9 months now and the situation isn't improving.

I have worked at this company for 2 years. My position is exempt and I do not have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.

Am I overthinking this or is this a real legal issue worth pursuing?

Illustrative response

Just want to point out — the statute of limitations might be a factor here. In some states it's as short as 1-2 years. Don't sit on this too long.

Illustrative response

For those on a budget: many state bar associations have lawyer referral services that offer initial consultations for $35-50. Also look into your local legal aid organization if your income qualifies. You don't have to navigate this alone.