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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.

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Form Overview

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

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  • Using outdated contact information for the parties involved.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

  • 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.

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Glossary Terms

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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.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Seeking maintenance under general sectionsForm 54.30 (This form)Covers Section 5B specificallyCheck if your case fits the 2015 Act's scope
Requesting custody/access orders onlyPotentially another specific summonsDoes not cover financial support aloneConfirm jurisdiction with Courts Service of Ireland
General application for maintenance claimLikely Form 54.30 (or a slightly older version)Check the title for Section 5B referenceEnsure the Act name matches

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

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

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

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Current Form Status

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.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

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

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
23/10/25

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)

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After you file

  • Keep a copy of the filed Form 54.30 for your records.
  • Note the case number assigned by the Courts Service.
  • Attend any initial hearing dates scheduled by the court.
  • Monitor correspondence from the opposing party and the court.

Source and verification log

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

Common confusion points

4 things to watch for

  • 1

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

  • 2

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

  • 3

    Failing to attach proof that justifies the requested amount.

  • 4

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

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