<prompt> Human: We are trying to sell my mother-in-laws house in New York. A title search was done as we approach closing and discovered a lien from 1996. The lien is for unpaid divorce lawyer charges, 15,000 and she signed what looks like a mortgage to the divorce law firm with 9 interest.As far as we can tell she made 1-2 payments at first, but maybe none. There were no statements bills for the past five years at least, probably longer. The total amount owed is more than will be cleared from selling the house. Also, she cant close on the house until the lien is lifted.My feeling is we need to talk to an expert on debt for New York...but how do we find that person? Can we discuss this debt directly with the mortgage holder the divorce law firm and try to settle for a reasonable amount?  <response>: If you talk to the law firm that filed the lean make sure NOT to mention you are looking to sell the house. IF they think youre looking to sell the house then theyll know theyve got leverage. If they have no leverage, they may be willing to settle the lien for a substantial reduction in amount. You could just tell them you wanted to help clear up your credit as its 750 and want to get to 800 or something bullshit like that. Might work. They waited 15 years and didnt get anything so getting 5000 right now might sound good. 