In Re the Marriage of Mills

The marriage of James and Cindy Mills was dissolved in November 1981. The 1981 dissolution decree placed the parties’ one child, then twelve years old, in Cindy’s custody. The 1981 decree directed James to pay Cindy child support of $50 per week. The 1981 decree awarded the parties’ house to Cindy, subject to a $5,000 lien in favor of James; the decree provided that the $5,000 lien would be payable to James when the child reached majority.

James fell behind on his support obligation under the 1981 decree. He accumulated an arrearage of at least $1,800, which he never voluntarily paid.

In 1984…