Debtor not returning money

Not really. I believe in a situation like this, since he was your friend, you are out of luck. Sorry

Kevin, did you put the agreement in writing?
What state are you in?
That will make a big difference.

Even verbal agreements can hold in court. I loaned a my boss $2000 about 4 years ago (He fired me two weeks later). We never had any type of written agreement- I just cut him a check out and wrote "loan" on the memo line. He never paid me back a dime, kept making false promises when I called him on it, and then stopped answering my calls altogehter. I sued him -- didn't need any other evidence, just the cancelled check. The judge granted me a judgment plus 9% interest.

I have the written agreement, it was signed in state of california 10 years ago.

California SOL on a written contract is 4 years. This means that if his last payment was before today's date in 2003, he could use the expiration of the SOL as his defense. If the SOL hasn't expired, I would contact an attorney ASAP.

Great advise morning star. I might also add, before spending $ for the attorney,send a letter (right now)to him saying sorry but I must have the remaining balance within 10 days from the date of this letter or I will have no alternative but to have my attorney contact you- Send one letter certified mail and a copy of the letter in regular mail. You may find out just where you stand. In the mean time if the payment time has not expired- get an attorney.