Official form guide
Form 54.23 Order To Secure Maintenance Payments - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
This form is an Order To Secure Maintenance Payments under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976. You use it when you need a formal court order to ensure regular payments are made for spousal or child maintenance.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 54.23 Order To Secure Maintenance Payments - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
This form is an Order To Secure Maintenance Payments under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976. You use it when you need a formal court order to ensure regular payments are made for spousal or child maintenance.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to attach proof of income or existing agreements.
- 2Not clearly stating the amount of required maintenance.
- 3Missing details about the paying party's current address.
- 4Failing to attach evidence supporting the requested payments.
- 5Incorrectly referencing the relationship (e.g., spouse vs. child).
Plain English
Simply put, this document asks the Court to legally enforce who owes money and how much they owe. It turns an agreement into a binding court rule. This helps make sure support payments aren't missed by either party.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no single fixed deadline listed here; submission timing depends on when the maintenance payment is due or when enforcement becomes necessary. Apply as soon as you need the court's involvement.
- 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
- You need a court order to legally enforce maintenance payments.
- Use this when you require formal security for spousal support or child upkeep.
- This form is used under the specific rules of the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act, 1976.
- It secures the right to receive regular maintenance payments through the courts.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Agreement already exists
Use this if you need to formalise an existing agreement into a court order.
✓ Check if your current document is just a 'Consent Order' vs. a full 'Order'.
Maintenance claim in progress
Use this if you are applying for the initial maintenance determination, not just securing it later.
✓ Ensure the application details match.
Simple payment acknowledgement
Use this if the court has already made the order but you need a simple document confirming receipt.
✓ Check the specific instructions on the form packet.
Change of circumstances only
Use this when the original maintenance amount or terms need adjusting, not setting for the first time.
✓ Confirm if the form allows amendments to an existing order.
Deadline or filing window
There is no single fixed deadline listed here; submission timing depends on when the maintenance payment is due or when enforcement becomes necessary. Apply as soon as you need the court's involvement.
Before you submit
- 1Fill out all sections completely; leave no blanks where a response is required.
- 2Use clear, legible handwriting or ensure digital fields are correctly populated.
- 3Attach supporting documentation (e.g., financial statements) if the form requires it.
- 4Ensure both parties' names and contact details are accurate.
- 5Sign the form in the designated area(s).
- 6Date the form before signing.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required sections of Form 54.23 accurately.
- 2Attach any necessary supporting financial evidence (e.g., payslips, bank statements) as directed.
- 3Sign and date the document(s).
- 4Submit the completed form to the relevant Courts Service office or via the designated online portal.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully executed form for your records.
- 6If submitting online, confirm successful upload/submission confirmation.
Known limitations
- 1This form secures an order; it does not guarantee payment will be made.
- 2The specific maintenance amount must align with the facts presented in the application.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: The exact required supporting documents are not listed on the form itself.
- 4It pertains only to maintenance under the 1976 Act, so other types of support may need separate orders.
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 current Order To Secure Maintenance Payments form from the Courts Service of Ireland. It relates specifically to payments under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the top header for the exact revision date.
- Verify that the title explicitly mentions 'Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976'.
- Look for any changes in payment calculation fields or signature blocks.
- Confirm if there are new mandatory boxes related to child support vs. spouse maintenance.
- Ensure the Court/District Registry details match your local court.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 54.23
- SRCGoverning Legislation: Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
- SRCPurpose: Order To Secure Maintenance Payments
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific local court instructions for filing.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Spouse Maintenance' with 'Child Maintenance'; ensure you tick the correct box/section.
Believing filing this form automatically starts payments; it initiates the *process* to secure them.
Not knowing which specific Court Registry handles your case (Dublin, Cork, etc.).
Failing to provide documentation proving income or need when asked.
Thinking this is only for divorce cases—it can be used outside of a formal divorce proceeding.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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