Whether one spouse can force the other to contribute to mortgage payments if they're not living in the house depends on the specifics of the divorce agreement or court order.

If the divorce settlement or court order specifies financial obligations related to the house, such as mortgage payments, property taxes, or maintenance costs, then the spouse not residing in the house may indeed be required to contribute as agreed upon.

However, if there are no such provisions in the divorce agreement or court order, it may be more challenging for one spouse to force the other to contribute to mortgage payments, especially if they are not benefiting from the property.

In either case, it's essential for both parties to adhere to the terms of the divorce agreement or court order, and any disputes regarding financial obligations should be resolved through legal means, such as mediation or court proceedings, if necessary.

In most cases, one spouse cannot force the other to contribute to mortgage payments if they're not living in the house, especially if the divorce settlement agreement or court order does not specify joint responsibility for mortgage payments.

However, there are some exceptions and considerations:

1. Court order: If the court order or divorce settlement agreement explicitly states that both spouses are responsible for mortgage payments, then yes, one spouse can be forced to contribute.

2. Joint ownership: If both spouses are co-owners of the property and the mortgage, they may both be legally responsible for making payments, regardless of who lives in the house.

3. Refinancing: If the spouse living in the house refinances the mortgage in their sole name, they may be able to remove the other spouse's liability for mortgage payments.

4. Spousal support: In some cases, the court may order one spouse to pay spousal support or alimony, which could include contributing to mortgage payments.

5. Mediation and negotiation: The spouses may need to negotiate and mediate to reach an agreement on mortgage payments, especially if they are still co-owners of the property.

6. Legal advice: Consult with a lawyer to understand your specific situation and the laws in your jurisdiction.

Keep in mind that every situation is unique, and the best approach will depend on the specific circumstances and the laws of your jurisdiction. Seeking legal advice is essential to understand your rights and options.