Filing suit is something I've done 3 times and it was just a further waste of my time and money.  The most effective course is to hire a collections specialist atty in the area of the home office of the deadbeat because said atty is familiar with the laws in that state and are also likely to stop by the actual office to try to collect.

 However, ever getting judgments (uncollectable because of lack of funds in the banking account), and even going to court, I came up with zip.  The last judge decided that since there was no money left, the case might as well be thrown out.  End of story.