In Re the Marriage of Mikesell

Laurence Mikesell (Laurence) appeals from the opinion and order entered by the Fourth Judicial District Court, Missoula County, empowering the Social Security Administration (SSA) to garnish his social security benefits for delinquent child support and maintenance payments due Carol Mikesell (Carol) pursuant to their dissolution decree. Addressing only a portion of the order, we reverse.

The sole issue on appeal is whether the District Court erred in concluding that social security benefits may be garnished for unpaid maintenance accruing after a corresponding child support obligation…