Loaned Someone Money, They Got Divorced And Said Screw Me

Hello,

Tl;dr- gave someone a business loan. They got divorced, liquidated and gave me the middle finger. Lawyers cost too much for the debt owed. What is my best route to get something back?

A few years back, I loaned someone some money for a business venture. 2 years passed and I had only received about $500 of the original debt. They ghosted me for about a year. This person still owes me about $10k (not including interest that I know I'm never going to see). Come to find out, he and his partner got a divorce, liquidated the business and neither told me about it nor tried to give me any kind of settlement.

He had his spouse under the LLC at the time, but, according to my research, this is just a "partnership" and they could be personally liable..... But I'm not sure. I've spoken to lawyers but due to the "small" dollar amount, I've concluded that going they route is probably not financially feasible. A retainer can be up to $4k from my calls. Now, I am in Michigan and small claims lets you sue for up to $7000.

We had a heated conversation in about June of last year and he said sue me and hung up and blocked me. So I'm thinking that after the divorce, he must have the confidence that I cannot come after him.

My question: Is it worth taking this to small claims court? Can I go after both him and his ex? Writ of garnishment? Or should I just take this on the chin?