Well there are a lot of imponderables here, is her name on the house title, what is the equity in the property, how old is the child(ren) and is he traceable. What sort of a job might he have, what might his earnings be and also could she not sell the house as there must have been quite a rise in the equity in eleven years .. etc. etc. Best this is to get some legal advice and fast, or if you would like to give some more info I am sure people will help you further .