Official form guide
Form 54.32 Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5C (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)
This form initiates a request for maintenance under Irish Family Law. Specifically, it relates to the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976, referencing Section 5C which was added via the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015. Use this when seeking a court order regarding spousal or child support.
Need help with Form 54.32 Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5C (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.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 54.32 Maintenance Summons - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act 1976 Section 5C (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)
This form initiates a request for maintenance under Irish Family Law. Specifically, it relates to the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976, referencing Section 5C which was added via the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015. Use this when seeking a court order regarding spousal or child support.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to reference Section 5C in the main body of the form.
- 2Not clearly stating whether maintenance is for a spouse or child.
- 3Omitting crucial financial details required by Section 5C.
- 4Failing to sign and date the document correctly.
- 5Submitting the wrong version of Form 54.32.
Plain English
Think of this as asking the Irish Courts for an official ruling on who pays whom—whether that's your spouse or your children. It kicks off the process to get legally binding maintenance payments set up. This form deals with specific rules under recent Family Law legislation.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no universal deadline listed on the form itself. Submit it as soon as you need the court order to take effect.
- 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.
What this form is for
- Use this when you need a court order for spousal maintenance (support between partners).
- Use this when seeking a court order for child maintenance payments.
- This form applies specifically under Section 5C of the 1976 Act, which covers specific types of claims.
- Select this if your claim relates to the provisions introduced by the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Seeking sole maintenance for a child
This is the standard summons form for these specific acts.
✓ Check if you are claiming spousal OR child support.
Claiming maintenance under general grounds not covered by Section 5C
The exact section dictates which form number to use.
✓ Confirm your precise legal basis first.
Likely another Maintenance Summons form
Requesting a review of existing maintenance order
You are challenging or adjusting an old order, not starting fresh.
✓ Verify the type of relief you seek.
May require a different motion/application form
Deadline or filing window
There is no universal deadline listed on the form itself. Submit it as soon as you need the court order to take effect.
Before you submit
- 1Fill in all boxes completely (no 'TBC' if possible).
- 2Attach supporting documents proving need/ability to pay.
- 3Ensure both parties' names and addresses are correct.
- 4Sign and date the form where indicated.
- 5Check that the court jurisdiction is correctly identified on the form.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 54.32 thoroughly.
- 2Gather evidence supporting your maintenance claim (e.g., income statements).
- 3Submit the completed form to the relevant Court Office in Ireland.
- 4Pay any required filing fee at the time of submission (if applicable).
- 5Obtain a stamped or filed copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form itself does not guarantee approval; it only initiates the request.
- 2It is specific to Section 5C provisions; other maintenance types might need different forms.
- 3The required supporting documentation varies based on whether you are claiming spousal or child support.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: The exact fee amount associated with filing this form.
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 form initiates a maintenance request under Irish Family Law. It specifically covers support claims related to the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976, incorporating changes from the 2015 legislation.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if the specific wording reflects Section 5C accurately.
- Verify that the date stamp matches current court requirements.
- Ensure the reference to the Children And Family Relationships Act 2015 is present.
- Confirm there are no new required annexures listed on the form itself.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 54.32
- SRCPrimary Legislation: Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act 1976
- SRCSpecific Provision: Section 5C (Inserted By Section 73 Of The Children And Family Relationships Act 2015)
Common confusion points
Confusing this summons with a simple 'Notice'—this starts the formal legal process.
Not knowing whether you are claiming for yourself (spouse) or a child.
Thinking that filling it out automatically means the court agrees with your request.
Mistaking Section 5C for the general Maintenance Act title.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.