I can have 17K in my bank account tomorrow.

There are other important factors here that I am taking into consideration.

Taking this money from him now will allow me to (1) not be panicked about getting a roommate for May 1st (2) I won't have to keep borrowing money from mom and owing her and (3) this money would cover me financially for the next 4 months, without a roommate and along with unemployment benefits.

These benefits are all outweighing everything else. I am not vindictive and I am not a gold digger.

Sure, ideally it would be done right through the legal system, but it's also not wrong of me to go this route either, considering my priorities.

Going through a law firm will certainly drag out the process and getting those funds will take a long time. This way, I have the money immediately and when I need it.

Thanks everyone for your input and thoughts, but I'm pretty sure my mind is made up.