spoiledtechie

I have been working with a client now for 6 months. He has paid me around 3k each month. While my invoices were well above the prescribed amount. He chose to do that saying that we would add it to equity later. Sweat equity. Just a week ago, we had a falling out and closing up my work, I sent him an invoice for 17k. After which things got worse. He has attacked me, my family and called me names. He is trying to intimidate me. He also took the stance that he doesn't want to speak to me anymore. After which, I did threaten to share the details of this with his client base and all his buyers. He wasn't happy with that. I did not do so, but now he is unwilling to talk.

After him shutting down communication, I reached out to his investors, which got him talking again.

He has since said he is only willing to pay me $3500 on my invoice. Second, he disputed 3k he paid me in March, so I now owe 3k towards Paypal because of the dispute.

He has also done this to other contractors, which I can count as 5 for now. I have 2 others willing to follow through with legal action. I guess I am wondering what has your experience been and is it worth it? Is it worth the time in court for just 17k? Will the lawyer I speak to even look at a contract dispute that low?

Can I also be sued for threatening him with reaching out to his customer base and buyers.

I didn't take the 3500, as I would like to see at least 9k. But he isn't willing to reach to that.

Help and any advise would be wonderful!