Quick question about contractor abandoned project halfway

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'm dealing with a situation and need some guidance.

contractor abandoned project halfway. I've been dealing with this for about 7 months now and the situation isn't improving.

The contract was signed 15 months ago. I have a copy of the original agreement. The total amount in dispute is approximately $39,000.

Has anyone been through something similar? What worked for you?

Illustrative response

Here's my take on the legal issues.

The legal framework here involves both federal and state law. At the federal level, common law contract principles. Your state may provide additional protections.

I'd recommend documenting everything in writing from this point forward. Keep copies of all communications.