Official form guide
Form 54.2 Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance of Spouse and Children) Act, 1976, as amended.
This form is a Maintenance Summons from the Courts Service of Ireland. It relates specifically to the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouse and Children) Act, 1976, as amended. You use it when seeking a court order for financial support.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 54.2 Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance of Spouse and Children) Act, 1976, as amended.
This form is a Maintenance Summons from the Courts Service of Ireland. It relates specifically to the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouse and Children) Act, 1976, as amended. You use it when seeking a court order for financial support.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure you correctly identify whether you are seeking maintenance for a spouse or children on this specific summons.
- 2Not clearly stating if maintenance is for a spouse or children.
- 3Missing current income details of the paying party.
- 4Failing to attach required supporting documentation (e.g., P60s).
- 5Submitting it to the wrong local Court office.
Plain English
Simply put, this document asks the Irish courts to legally order someone to pay maintenance. This applies if you need money from your spouse or children's other parent. It starts the official process of demanding regular financial support through the legal system.
Submission Date
- Filing date: While there isn't a universal deadline, submit this as soon as possible after the need arises. Delays can mean delays in receiving financial support.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when you need a court order for financial support related to your spouse or children.
- Select this if the maintenance claim falls under the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouse and Children) Act, 1976.
- This is specifically for seeking an order regarding spousal or child maintenance payments.
- Do not use it for general debt claims unless they fall under this specific Act.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Seeking Maintenance Order
This form initiates the request for support.
✓ Check if you need to file a related Affidavit first.
Maintenance Claim (General)
If your case isn't strictly covered by the 'Spouse and Children' Act, use this.
✓ Verify the specific legislation cited in your situation.
Application Notice
This is often used to start proceedings generally before specifying maintenance needs.
✓ Check if you are starting a new case or replying to one.
Enforcement Application
Use this when the other party fails to pay after an order has already been granted.
✓ Ensure your existing court Order number matches.
Deadline or filing window
While there isn't a universal deadline, submit this as soon as possible after the need arises. Delays can mean delays in receiving financial support.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure both parties' full names and addresses are correctly entered.
- 2Verify the specific relationship (spouse/child) you are claiming maintenance for is clear.
- 3Confirm the relevant section of the 1976 Act being relied upon is noted.
- 4Check that all required supporting documents (e.g., financial statements) are attached.
- 5Sign and date the form in the designated signature block.
- 6Ensure the correct court location/jurisdiction is filled out.
How to file this form
- 1Complete every field on Form 54.2 accurately.
- 2Gather all necessary supporting documents (financial evidence, etc.).
- 3Sign and date the form yourself or have it signed by your legal representative.
- 4Pay the required court filing fee at a designated location.
- 5Submit the completed packet to the relevant Courts Service office.
Known limitations
- 1This summons only initiates the claim; it is not the final order itself.
- 2It does not guarantee that the judge will grant the requested amount.
- 3The specific maintenance period covered (e.g., until age 25) is not confirmed in official source.
- 4Filing this form alone might not be enough if you haven't served it properly on the respondent.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->This is a standard Maintenance Summons used within Irish Family Law matters. It relates to the Act from 1976 and any subsequent changes made to it.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check for any updates regarding service address requirements from the Courts Service.
- Verify if new sections relating to specific types of children (e.g., step-children) have been added.
- Confirm the current required supporting documentation list is attached.
- Review the prescribed fees payable according to the latest Courts Service schedule.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCForm Number: 54.2
- SRCPrimary Legislation: Family Law (Maintenance of Spouse and Children) Act, 1976
- SRCPurpose: Initiating a maintenance claim for spouse/children.
- SRCDate of Publication/Revision: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCContextual Use: Irish Family Court proceedings.
Common confusion points
Confusing it with a simple 'Notice of Intention'—this form is more formal and initiates action.
Believing signing alone means payment starts immediately; the court must grant the order first.
Not knowing whether to claim for spouse maintenance or child maintenance when both are applicable.
Using this form when you should be using a specific CRO filing related to company dissolution.
Source transparency
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