IECOURTSFamily Law Forms

Official form guide

Form 54.7  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5A(1) As Amended

This form is used for a Maintenance Order under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976. Specifically, it relates to Section 5A(1) as amended. You use this when seeking a formal court order regarding financial support between spouses or children.

Need help with Form 54.7  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5A(1) As Amended?

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

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Form Overview

Courts Service of Ireland - Form 54.7  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5A(1) As Amended

This form is used for a Maintenance Order under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976. Specifically, it relates to Section 5A(1) as amended. You use this when seeking a formal court order regarding financial support between spouses or children.

The form captures details about the parties involved and outlines the requested maintenance amount. It documents the basis for why the payment is needed under Section 5A(1).

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Do not forget to specify which section (5A(1)) you are relying on!
  • 2Missing documentation proving income/need
  • 3Incorrectly identifying the paying vs. receiving party
  • 4Failing to specify the exact amount requested
  • 5Not referencing Section 5A(1) correctly in the details

Plain English

This is your official request to the Irish Courts for a legally binding maintenance order. It sets out who owes money and how much they must pay. Think of it as asking the judge to sign off on spousal or child support payments.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: There is no single universal deadline listed here. Submit this form as soon as the maintenance issue arises or when a previous agreement expires.
  • 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

  • You need a formal court order regarding financial support between spouses or children.
  • This form is used when the existing arrangement for maintenance needs to be set by the courts.
  • Use this if you are seeking an order under Section 5A(1) of the Family Law Act, 1976.
  • It applies to maintaining a spouse or a child after separation or divorce.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Seeking maintenance for a partner (not parent/child)

This specific form covers the Section 5A(1) requirement for spouses.

✓ Check if your claim is strictly under S. 5A(1).

Form 54.7

Applying for an interim maintenance order

If you need immediate support before a final hearing, check for an interim application form.

✓ Don't use this if the order is only temporary.

Not confirmed in official source

Seeking maintenance for children (general)

While it covers children, ensure your claim specifically fits the S. 5A(1) criteria for spouses/children.

✓ Verify the specific section reference on your request.

Form 54.7

Deadline or filing window

There is no single universal deadline listed here. Submit this form as soon as the maintenance issue arises or when a previous agreement expires.

Before you submit

  1. 1Ensure both parties' full names and addresses are clearly printed.
  2. 2Confirm the correct relationship (spouse/child) is specified on the relevant sections.
  3. 3Attach copies of necessary supporting documents (e.g., financial statements, proof of income).
  4. 4Sign and date every required section of Form 54.7.
  5. 5Check that you have accurately cited 'Section 5A(1) As Amended' in the title/summary.
  6. 6Verify the correct Court jurisdiction for your application.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all sections of Form 54.7 thoroughly using black ink.
  2. 2Gather and attach supporting documentation (e.g., proof of income, joint financial statements).
  3. 3Submit the completed form package to the appropriate Courts Service office.
  4. 4Pay the required filing fee at the time of submission or as directed.
  5. 5Obtain a stamped acknowledgement receipt from the Court Clerk.

Known limitations

  1. 1This form does not guarantee the court will grant the maintenance order you seek.
  2. 2It is specific to Section 5A(1) and may require supplementary forms for other family law claims.
  3. 3The required supporting documentation list might vary based on the specific circumstances of your case.
  4. 4Not confirmed in official source: There may be variations depending on whether you are applying through a solicitor or self-represented.

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 standard form for seeking a Maintenance Order under the Family Law Act 1976. It specifically addresses requirements laid out in Section 5A(1) as it currently stands.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the exact date of the current form version.
  • Check if any amendments to Section 5A(1) have recently changed required declarations.
  • Verify the designated Court Office where this form must be lodged.
  • Look for changes in the supporting documentation list attached to the form.

Quick Facts

Either spouse, parent, or party involved in the relationship needs to complete this form. The person seeking the order typically fills this out.
The form captures details about the parties involved and outlines the requested maintenance amount. It documents the basis for why the payment is needed under Section 5A(1).
You submit this when you need a court to officially mandate financial support payments. This applies whenever the existing arrangement needs formal legal recognition or change.
Submission usually goes through the Courts Service of Ireland channels. Check if your local district court accepts it online or requires postal delivery.
Submitting incorrectly means the judge might reject your application or set an incorrect payment amount. Accuracy ensures the order reflects your true financial needs.
First, fill in all personal details of yourself and the other party. Next, clearly state the requested maintenance amount and frequency. Finally, attach supporting documents showing income or need before submitting it to the Courts Service.

Form Details

Revision date
23/10/25

Downloads & source

Fill Form 54.7  Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976 Section 5A(1) As Amended

AI-powered guidance for every field

Fillable formOpen in Editor->

Free to start / No account required

Sources

  • SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
  • SRCForm Number: 54.7
  • SRCAct Reference: Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
  • SRCSpecific Provision: Section 5A(1) As Amended
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: The exact list of required supporting documents.

Common confusion points

Confusing Section 5A(1) with other sections of the Family Law Act (e.g., S. 4 or S. 6).

Not clearly defining who the maintenance is *for* (spouse vs. child).

Failing to provide current financial evidence, leading to delays.

Assuming the form covers all aspects of a divorce settlement when it focuses specifically on the maintenance order.

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 →