IECOURTSFamily Law Forms

Official form guide

Form 54.30  Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5B (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)

This form is a Maintenance Summons used in Family Law matters under the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976. Specifically, it relates to Section 5B, which was added by the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015.

Need help with Form 54.30  Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5B (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)?

Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Form Overview

Courts Service of Ireland - Form 54.30  Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5B (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)

This form is a Maintenance Summons used in Family Law matters under the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976. Specifically, it relates to Section 5B, which was added by the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015.

The form captures details about who needs to pay, how much support is needed, and the circumstances justifying that maintenance claim. It documents the specific legal basis under Section 5B of the Act.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Do not forget to specify whether the claim is for a spouse or for children in the designated box.
  • 2Not clearly stating if the claim is for a spouse or children.
  • 3Omitting current financial details of either party (income/assets).
  • 4Failing to reference the correct section (5B) in the summary.
  • 5Using outdated contact information for the parties involved.

Plain English

Simply put, this summons officially asks a court to order someone to pay maintenance. It is used when there is an issue regarding support for a spouse or children. You use it to start the formal process of getting a court order in place.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: While there isn't one universal deadline, you should submit this summons as soon as possible once the need for maintenance becomes apparent. Prompt submission starts the legal clock ticking.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

AI co-pilot

Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.

Explains confusing fields in plain English
Flags missing signatures, dates, IDs, and attachments
Keeps the PDF ready for editor, send, and proof flows
Open AI workspace->

Glossary Terms

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when you need to formally request maintenance payments in a family law case.
  • It is used under the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976.
  • This specific version applies because of Section 5B, which relates to changes brought by the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015.
  • Use this when seeking maintenance for spouses or children under those specific statutory provisions.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Seeking maintenance under general sections

Covers Section 5B specifically

✓ Check if your case fits the 2015 Act's scope

Form 54.30 (This form)

Requesting custody/access orders only

Does not cover financial support alone

✓ Confirm jurisdiction with Courts Service of Ireland

Potentially another specific summons

General application for maintenance claim

Check the title for Section 5B reference

✓ Ensure the Act name matches

Likely Form 54.30 (or a slightly older version)

Deadline or filing window

While there isn't one universal deadline, you should submit this summons as soon as possible once the need for maintenance becomes apparent. Prompt submission starts the legal clock ticking.

Before you submit

  1. 1Fill in all required sections completely (no blank boxes).
  2. 2Provide clear identification details for yourself and the other party.
  3. 3State clearly what amount of maintenance is being sought.
  4. 4Attach supporting evidence (e.g., income statements, proof of residency).
  5. 5Sign and date the form where indicated.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all fields on Form 54.30 accurately.
  2. 2Gather necessary documentation to support your claim.
  3. 3Submit the completed form to the relevant Courts Service office.
  4. 4Pay any required filing fee (check local court rates).
  5. 5Obtain a receipt or confirmation number upon submission.

Known limitations

  1. 1This summons only requests maintenance; it does not automatically grant custody or access rights.
  2. 2The specific outcome depends on the judge's decision, not just filling out this form correctly.
  3. 3Not confirmed in official source if you are seeking maintenance under an Act other than 1976/2015 provisions.
  4. 4It is a summons, meaning it initiates legal action.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Proceedings

3 items

Title of Proceedings

The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.

Requiredtext
Record Number

The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.

Requiredtext
Court and Office

The court and the office where the document is being filed.

Requiredtext

Substance

2 items

Relief or Information Sought

What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.

Requiredtext
Grounds and Exhibits

The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.

text

Execution

1 items

Signature, Jurat or Service Details

Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.

Requiredsignature
This compact map shows the fields you typically encounter on this type of Irish form. The AI Editor gives precise, field-by-field guidance once you open the actual document.

Almost done reviewing the fields?

Fillable formOpen in Editor->
Current form status
COURTS

This is the active Maintenance Summons for Family Law matters. It specifically covers provisions under Section 5B, which was added by the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the current date listed on the form.
  • Verify the exact wording referencing 'Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015'.
  • Check if there are any specific amendments noted regarding spousal vs. child maintenance.
  • Ensure you are not using a superseded version from before the 2015 Act changes.

Quick Facts

Either one party involved in the relationship (spouse or child) can initiate this summons. The person seeking the payment must fill out and submit Form 54.30.
The form captures details about who needs to pay, how much support is needed, and the circumstances justifying that maintenance claim. It documents the specific legal basis under Section 5B of the Act.
You submit this when you need a court order for spousal or child maintenance but haven't secured one yet. The timing depends on when the need for support arises.
It is submitted to the Courts Service of Ireland. This can usually be done via their designated online portal, by post, or in person at your local District Court office.
Submitting it correctly ensures the court has all necessary facts to make a fair order. Errors can cause delays or result in an incorrect maintenance amount being set.
First, fill in all personal details for both parties involved. Next, clearly state the requested maintenance amount and why that figure is needed. Finally, sign and date the form before submitting it to the appropriate court office.

Form Details

Revision date
23/10/25

Downloads & source

Fill Form 54.30  Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5B (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)

AI-powered guidance for every field

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Free to start / No account required

Sources

  • SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland
  • SRCForm Number: 54.30
  • SRCAct Basis: Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976
  • SRCSpecific Provision: Section 5B (inserted via C&FR Act 2015)

Common confusion points

Confusing Section 5B with other sections of the 1976 Act.

Not clearly distinguishing whether the maintenance is for a spouse or a child.

Failing to attach proof that justifies the requested amount.

Assuming filing this form guarantees immediate payment (it starts the process).

Ready to get started?

6 fields / 3 sections / AI-powered guidance

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms

Independent guide

BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.

CC BY 4.0Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International. Free to copy, modify, and distribute — even commercially — with attribution.
All Rights ReservedAll rights reserved by the copyright holder. Not licensed for open use. May only be used with explicit permission or under fair dealing/fair use.
All Rights ReservedAll rights reserved by the copyright holder. Not licensed for open use. May only be used with explicit permission or under fair dealing/fair use.
Verify current license terms with the source agency before reuse outside this platform.

Understand the agreement before you sign it.

Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.

Review a contract free →