Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Illinois

this may not be what you want to hear. you are going to have to pay for it. having a bad relationship with a neighbor is annoying and uncomfortable so i would do my best to try and reach out. remember everyone thinks they are right and wants to be treated with respect. therefore try not to be accusatory or attacking their self-worth.

theoretically, some lawyer could charge you to sue the neighbor. the neighbor then gets a lawyer too. now both lawyers are having a picnic with both of you. meanwhile both of you become increasingly angry and it starts affecting other things in your life.

ps - sounds like racoons. there are have a heart traps. they are easy to catch and release in a forest preserve. put some wire, fencing or barrier so they can't get under the deck. they will find some other place which might be your neighbors yard.

It is most likely unlawful for you to trap animals in such a circumstance. You should call a wildlife control operator if this remains a problem for you.