I live in New York (i sent you an e mail ..did you get it?)
What is circuit court? ..civil?
It is hard to get wage garnishment but if you report to the IRS he is going to have to start paying taxes then you can garnish wages. Also they can freeze his bank account and get money that way. You need to get as much info as you can about money he has/assets etc.
Yours is more than you can file in small claims.I was lucky as i have 2 contracts with him so will end up going to court twice but in small claims as they were money lent for different things and at different times.
I would try and get some advice from a lawyer. I felt much better /stronger once i knew my options.