In re the Marriage of Rousseau

This is a post-dissolution contempt action initiated by wife. The parties were divorced in 1983. The property settlement agreement, which was incorporated into the decree, contained the following language regarding the sale of the parties’ home:

“The said real property shall be listed for sale and upon such sale, the existing mortgage to Oregon Department of Veteran Affairs shall be paid in full out of the proceeds of that sale. Wife shall be paid the sum of $35,000.00 after existing mortgage is paid and husband shall receive any remaining proceeds after wife receives said sum.”

The house…