Official form guide
Form 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
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 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.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to specify which part of Section 5(1)(B) your claim relates to!
- 2Not clearly stating the exact maintenance amount requested.
- 3Failing to detail the relationship status of all parties.
- 4Omitting documentation proving income or dependency.
- 5Incorrectly 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
- Filing 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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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).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
, Seeking sole child maintenance payments
Used for specific claims under S. 5(1)(B)
✓ Check if your claim fits this section.
, Applying for a general spousal maintenance order
Depends on the exact grounds cited in Section 5(1)(B)
✓ Confirm with Courts Service.
Potentially another Family Law form
, Simple declaration of maintenance amount (not full order)
A simpler application might suffice
✓ Check 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
- 1, All sections of Form 54.6 must be completed (no blank boxes).
- 2, Attach evidence supporting your claim (e.g., income statements, bank statements).
- 3, Clearly state who the maintenance is for (spouse/child names).
- 4, Ensure signatures are present where required.
- 5, Verify the court details match where you intend to file in Ireland.
How to file this form
- 1, Complete all fields on Form 54.6 thoroughly and accurately.
- 2, Gather supporting documentation relevant to your financial situation.
- 3, Sign and date the form according to instructions.
- 4, File the completed packet at the appropriate Courts Service office/online portal.
- 5, Pay any required filing fee (check current rates).
Known limitations
- 1, This form only addresses maintenance under Section 5(1)(B); other sections require different forms.
- 2, It does not guarantee a specific outcome or amount; it is an application.
- 3, Not confirmed in official source: The exact mandatory supporting documents list may change yearly.
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 the current application form for a Maintenance Order under Irish Family Law. It specifically relates to Section 5(1)(B) of the Act.
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
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRC, Issuer: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS).
- SRC, Form Number: 54.6.
- SRC, Legal Basis: Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976.
- SRC, Specific Provision Cited: Section 5(1)(B) As Amended.
Common confusion points
, Confusing Section 5(1)(B) with other sections of the Family Law Act, 1976.
, Not knowing whether you need a 'Declaration' or a formal 'Order'.
, Forgetting which specific Court (District vs. Circuit) your claim must be lodged in.
, Incorrectly calculating the required maintenance amount.
Source transparency
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