We have a signed contract for work that was to be completed September 25. The contract was signed at the end of August and a 50% check was given to him. He cashed the check immediately. September 18, he has a family emergency and will be in touch. I call at the end of September and he said he could start work the week of October 5. Well, as you might have guessed, he is not answering any phone calls (straight to voice mail), text messages or emails.

My question is this: Do we contact police and report this as a theft? Do we contact a lawyer for a small claim? The amount of the check was $1,500 for a $3,000 job.

Located in Minnesota.

Thank you for reading.