My old landlord chanhged the locks and kept all my belongings and I was paid up on rent.

This conduct is illegal and you could sue the landlord. However, if it has been more than two years since the incident you may have statute of...

How do I get my dog back?

You will have to file a lawsuit and prove that the dog is yours. If you have the money, this is much easier with an attorney. If not, you will have...

I am assuming the unit is within the city limits of Chicago. If not, the answer may be different. Though it is a little bit of a gray area, you...

Unfortunately, you will need to find a lawyer. In Illinois the estate must have representation. Generally, the lawyer for the administrator is paid...

No. If an officer says something like this to you ask for the number of the statute so you can look it up. In Illinois all tenants must be...

This is a complicated question without a clear answer that comes up from time to time with condo buildings. It is unlikely the landlord would sue...

This is a complicated question and timing of the bite and bankruptcy is important. You probably have a claim, but it might be a claim in...

Can I refuse to write letter? Or the court will force me?

A third party cannot be forced to write a letter. He might be forced to testify if proper procedures are followed.

Will

In your question you refer to someone as "they," it is not clear who that is. If the house is worth very little, it is possible the cost of...

This was an ill-advised plan (many work in lieu of rent arrangements go bad) and you are not in a good place leverage-wise. You should hire a local...