I need some legal advice! Please?

Hey guys so I have a family friend that use to repair my car on the side. He is a mechanic, but does not work for a company anymore; he just did work on the side for people. I trusted him a lot, I use to give him money to pick up parts without a problem. Everything we have ever talked about is through text. I have every single text message since the first day he started working on my car. Recently he told me my Ford Taurus needed a new motor and it would cost about $550. He came and picked up the money and said he would get the motor the next day. However I noticed he came up with little excuses on why he hasn't gotten the motor. And sooner or later it came to him ignoring me. I called him, texted him, everything and I haven't heard back from him. I gave him the $550 THREE MONTHS AGO. I have recently messaged his girlfriend and he would change the story to make it look like he was trying to do the right thing. I'm completely convinced that he took my money and does not plan on returning it. I don't know how to go forward with the courts on this problem. $550 may not seem like a lot of money to some people, but it's a lot to me. I'm currently 8 months pregnant and have a two year old. I soon will be going on maternity leave without pay. And I'm at such a lose on what to do😭. Someone please help.

Local attorneys might know how to get this money for you, plus extra to cover their fee. But small-claims courts usually charge only a small amount. However, you have to find the guy and get him served with a subpoena to appear in court. Keep pestering him.

If you have to take him to small claims court and lose his friendship, you must.