If you attempt to go to court, the 30 days repayment is most likely what the judge will grant in my experience. 

I had tenants who had not paid in seven months and we had been to court twice before and the judge said, "they said they are trying."

Corporate Transparency Act Blocked Nationwide by Texas Court

And, you need to cure your liability (you cannot use a city easement without obtaining a Grant of Easement from the city - a legal document to be filed with the Clerk of Court).You've done everything you can to mitigate the damage to your home and I applaud you for it.

If they don't than I would gather as much evidence that point to them, bill them, and if you go to court you have your evidence.

Both allege they were his common-law spouse.I am imagining this playing out like a live Jerry Springer episode, with probate court as the stage and legal claims as the punches.

The finding can be quashed if the U&O is clean and the municipality doesn't support the inspector's finding, but that might require some court action.

Chicago is a tenant friendly city and it takes months of court dates to get them officially evicted.

then again depending on state judge has to confirm the sale and your deed gets recorded by the court. 

Ask for them to remove the tree.Fifth, see if you can apply to get a protective order from a court to maintain the property.