Please help with client won't pay for completed work

Has anyone dealt with something like this? I'm not sure what my options are.

client won't pay for completed work. I've been dealing with this for about 8 months now and the situation isn't improving.

The contract was signed 6 months ago. I have a copy of the original agreement. The total amount in dispute is approximately $24,000.

Should I hire a lawyer for this or try to handle it myself?

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.

NAL, but from what I've read, you should file a complaint. But yeah, have someone look at your specific situation.

NAL, but from what I've read, you should send a written demand. That said every case is different so take this with a grain of salt.