Always hold an essential part of the project hostage. For print work, give them a very small jpg that can't be used for print. For web development don't assign the domain name until paid. For web and graphic maintenance, don't work again until you get paid. Always have a late fee clause. I charge a $25 or 10% of the project late fee per month that it is late. 

Sadly, these clients are not your valuable clients, they are your masters, controlling your emotions, your budget, and playing with your well-being and there is often a great penalty for that. The truly value clients leave you only with the task at the hand and pay you promptly and more than you are worth.

I've given up on small claims court and just avoid the disrespectful. Again, always keep something they need until payment is made in full.