you start with you, don't lend money anymore. My mother always told me never to "lend" money. If you want to give them a few bucks then fine but don't expect that you'll get it back. Or give them a meal in your home if they are a good friend or relative, or drop them off at a place they need to be but that's all.

Some cases are junk cases and the judge won't hear them. But every case you bring to court you have to pay a clerk's fee on and that plus what the person owed you, well you're losing more than you would originally. If you had no written contract with them (and the requirements for a contract met) then you can be assured you won't get your money back.

Don't blame the people, blame you, then change.+

Think of it as an investment to get them out of your life. As long as they owe you money, chances are they will avoid you.

Sue them if it's enough to bother with, and you have proof that they owe you

I've learned never to loan people money. Therefore, I don't have this problem. If I were you, I'd collect and consider it a lesson learned. ;)

Obviously ask for the money they owe you.

If you loan someone $25 and you never see them again it was worth it.

You want maybe someone should break their legs?