likelyhood of actually receiving rent; via court

[Frank Fiore Jr]

Background Information
1. Tenant is out of the apartment
2. Owes 7k +/- in back rent / heating oil
3. I have TAW agreement and a document he signed on the day he moved out stating he owes the above mentioned monies, and would make payments weekly.
A. He has not made weekly payments (shocker)
B. He did not leave a forwarding address; I am working on finding that out
4. This is in Massachusetts....

If I take him to small claims:
1. I'm assuming I will get a judgement for less than the full amount; he will cry hardship I'm sure.
2. A lien will be placed on whatever he owns; which I believe to be nothing

Questions
1. Can or will they garnish his paycheck?
2. What is the likelihood this would occur? He is already paying child support; and having issues with that
3. If they rely on him actually paying me directly; what will taking him to court do; he refuses to do this already?
4. And if I am understanding this correctly; there is no guarantee he will show up for a court date; and I'm assuming if he doesn't the process does not move forward.

FYI.. I have upped my yoga classes to 5 times a week; it seems to help....