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54.6  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5(1)(B) As Amended

This form is a Maintenance Order application under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976, specifically referencing Section 5(1)(B). It is used when seeking a formal court order regarding financial support for a spouse or children.

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Form Overview

54.6  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5(1)(B) As Amended

This form is a Maintenance Order application under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976, specifically referencing Section 5(1)(B). It is used when seeking a formal court order regarding financial support for a spouse or children.

The form captures details about who needs money, how much is required, and the circumstances justifying that amount under Section 5(1)(B). It also confirms the relationship status of all parties involved.

Risk Radar

  • Do not forget to specify which part of Section 5(1)(B) your claim relates to!
  • Not clearly stating the exact maintenance amount requested.
  • Failing to detail the relationship status of all parties.
  • Omitting documentation proving income or dependency.
  • Incorrectly referencing Section 5(1)(B) in the summary.

Plain English

If you need the Courts Service to legally decide how much money one person must pay another (a partner or child), this is the form you use. It locks in that payment amount through a court directive, making it official under Irish law.

Submission Date

  • There isn't a strict universal deadline, but submit this as soon as you need the court order to become legally binding. Delaying submission means delaying 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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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • , Use this when applying for court-ordered financial support for a spouse or children.
  • , This form covers maintenance claims under Section 5(1)(B) of the 1976 Act.
  • , Choose this if you are seeking an order relating to spousal/child maintenance specifically under that section.
  • , It is used when the application falls under the parameters defined in Section 5(1)(B).

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
, Seeking sole child maintenance paymentsForm 54.6 (This form)Used for specific claims under S. 5(1)(B)Check if your claim fits this section.
, Applying for a general spousal maintenance orderPotentially another Family Law formDepends on the exact grounds cited in Section 5(1)(B)Confirm with Courts Service.
, Simple declaration of maintenance amount (not full order)Not confirmed in official sourceA simpler application might sufficeCheck if you need a formal Order or just an agreement.

Deadline or filing window

There isn't a strict universal deadline, but submit this as soon as you need the court order to become legally binding. Delaying submission means delaying support.

Before you submit

  • , All sections of Form 54.6 must be completed (no blank boxes).
  • , Attach evidence supporting your claim (e.g., income statements, bank statements).
  • , Clearly state who the maintenance is for (spouse/child names).
  • , Ensure signatures are present where required.
  • , Verify the court details match where you intend to file in Ireland.

How to file this form

  1. 1, Complete all fields on Form 54.6 thoroughly and accurately.
  2. 2, Gather supporting documentation relevant to your financial situation.
  3. 3, Sign and date the form according to instructions.
  4. 4, File the completed packet at the appropriate Courts Service office/online portal.
  5. 5, Pay any required filing fee (check current rates).

Known limitations

  • , This form only addresses maintenance under Section 5(1)(B); other sections require different forms.
  • , It does not guarantee a specific outcome or amount; it is an application.
  • , Not confirmed in official source: The exact mandatory supporting documents list may change yearly.

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Current Form Status

This is the current application form for a Maintenance Order under Irish Family Law. It specifically relates to Section 5(1)(B) of the Act.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • , Check for updates to the required supporting documentation list.
  • , Verify the current title matches 'Section 5(1)(B) As Amended'.
  • , Confirm the specific Court/Circuit requirements are met.
  • , Ensure the form date reflects the latest revision from COURTS.

Quick Facts

Either the spouse needing support, or the parent seeking maintenance for their children, needs to complete and submit Form 54.6.
The form captures details about who needs money, how much is required, and the circumstances justifying that amount under Section 5(1)(B). It also confirms the relationship status of all parties involved.
Submit this when you need a formal court ruling on financial support, rather than just an agreement between two people. This applies whenever maintenance under S. 5(1)(B) is required.
You submit this form to the relevant Courts Service office in Ireland. Submission methods are typically via post or through designated online portals.
Submitting it correctly ensures the court knows exactly what you need and who needs it. Errors can cause delays in getting a legally enforceable maintenance order.
First, fill in all personal details for yourself and the recipient(s). Next, clearly state the requested maintenance amount and why that figure is necessary. Finally, sign and date the form before sending it to the appropriate Courts Service office.

Form Details

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

54.6  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5(1)(B) As Amended

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After you file

  • , Keep a copy of the filed form and receipt for your records.
  • , Note down the file reference number provided by the Court.
  • , Track the expected timeline for hearing/decision.
  • , Respond promptly to any requests for further information from COURTS.

Source and verification log

  • , Issuer: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS).
  • , Form Number: 54.6.
  • , Legal Basis: Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976.
  • , Specific Provision Cited: Section 5(1)(B) As Amended.

Common confusion points

4 things to watch for

  • 1

    , Confusing Section 5(1)(B) with other sections of the Family Law Act, 1976.

  • 2

    , Not knowing whether you need a 'Declaration' or a formal 'Order'.

  • 3

    , Forgetting which specific Court (District vs. Circuit) your claim must be lodged in.

  • 4

    , Incorrectly calculating the required maintenance amount.

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