54.9  Application to Vary or Discharge a Maintenance Order - Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, as amended

What this form is for

• • Use this form to request changes to the amount of maintenance payments
• • Use this form to request changes to the frequency of maintenance payments
• • Use this form to request termination of maintenance payments
• • Use this form if your financial circumstances have changed significantly
• • Use this form if the needs of the children have changed substantially

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no strict deadline for filing this form, but applications should be submitted as soon as possible after circumstances change. Court processing times can vary, so allow at least 8-12 weeks for a hearing date after submission.

Before you submit

• • All sections of the form are completed
• • Financial information is accurate and up-to-date
• • Supporting documents are included
• • Copies are made for your records
• • The correct court is identified
• • The other party has been notified
• • Any relevant case numbers are referenced

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct Form 54.9 from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate and current information
3. 3Gather supporting financial documentation
4. 4Make copies of the completed form and all documents
5. 5Submit the form to the appropriate court office
6. 6Pay any required filing fees
7. 7Notify the other party of the application

Known limitations

• • This form cannot be used to apply for maintenance for the first time
• • The court may require additional evidence beyond what's on the form
• • The court has discretion to approve or deny any variation request
• • The form cannot address issues outside of maintenance payments