Is It Possible To Get This Money Back?

Location: California.

I paid for my child’s entire orthodontia series- two rounds of braces, retainers, follow up care, etc.

Their other parent was supposed to pay half of the expenses, but has not and will not. I accept that you cannot get blood from a stone, and honestly it’s not worth running up thousands in legal fees to get my half ($5,000).

Where I draw my line in the sand and where I would like advice is around a reimbursement check that the other parent received and deposited. The orthodontist accidentally sent a reimbursement check of $1,000 to the other parent, who deposited it. This check was for an overpayment (my insurance also covered part of the orthodontia costs).

So not only am I out $5,000 and not being reimbursed, but the other parent has pocketed $1,000 and actually made money on our kid getting braces.

They will not respond to emails asking to be reimbursed.

Typically, this would be addressed via a child support hearing. However, I have spent more than $30k in attorney fees in the last 18 months and don’t want to pay my attorney $500/hour to go after $1,000.

Are there any other options? Would a demand letter or small claims work in a situation like this?

Thanks!