Official form guide
Form 56.8 Summons To Vary Or Discharge Attachment Of Earnings Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
This form is a Summons used within Family Law matters in Ireland. It specifically relates to the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act, 1976. You use it when you need to change or completely end an existing Attachment of Earnings Order.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 56.8 Summons To Vary Or Discharge Attachment Of Earnings Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
This form is a Summons used within Family Law matters in Ireland. It specifically relates to the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act, 1976. You use it when you need to change or completely end an existing Attachment of Earnings Order.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to reference the original Attachment of Earnings Order number!
- 2Failing to cite the original Attachment of Earnings Order number.
- 3Vaguely stating whether you want to 'Vary' or 'Discharge'.
- 4Not providing supporting documentation for the change request (e.g., new payslip).
- 5Submitting the form to the wrong local court office.
Plain English
If someone has an order forcing them to have money taken directly from their wages (an Attachment of Earnings Order), this form lets you ask the Court to adjust that amount or cancel it entirely. Think of it as a formal request to change the rules about how much they must pay out of their salary.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no strict universal deadline listed here, but submit it as soon as the change in circumstances occurs. Delays can mean you continue paying too much or too little.
- 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
- You need to officially change an existing Attachment of Earnings Order.
- You want to completely end or discharge a current Attachment of Earnings Order.
- The order relates specifically to maintenance payments for spouses or children.
- This is the specific summons required under the 1976 Act.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need to start a *new* Maintenance Order
Use this if you are starting from scratch, not changing an existing one.
✓ Check form number first.
Want to vary the maintenance amount but keep the order active
This form is for general variation or discharge; check specific requirements.
✓ Confirm if 'discharge' or 'vary' is your main goal.
Potentially another variation summons
Dealing with a CRO company matter (not family law)
If the issue relates to business payments, use the appropriate corporate form.
✓ Ensure the context is Family Law.
Not sure which order it is attached to
You must identify the original Order number before filling out this summons.
✓ Always reference the existing order.
Deadline or filing window
There is no strict universal deadline listed here, but submit it as soon as the change in circumstances occurs. Delays can mean you continue paying too much or too little.
Before you submit
- 1All sections of Form 56.8 are completed clearly.
- 2The date you are submitting the summons is accurately recorded.
- 3You have referenced the existing Attachment of Earnings Order number.
- 4Your full name and contact details (address, phone) are present.
- 5You have specified whether you want to VARY or DISCHARGE the order.
- 6If applicable, the specific reason for the change/discharge is detailed.
- 7The required court fee payment information is noted.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 56.8 accurately.
- 2Sign and date the form where indicated.
- 3Attach copies of relevant documentation (e.g., the original order, proof of change in income).
- 4Submit the completed summons to the appropriate local District or Circuit Court office.
- 5If filing digitally through a portal, ensure you upload all supporting documents as required.
Known limitations
- 1This form does not dictate the outcome; it only requests action from the court.
- 2It is specific to maintenance orders under the 1976 Act; other family law matters need different forms.
- 3The exact court fees payable are not confirmed in this source, so check the local registry.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: It does not specify if it must be served personally or by post.
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 remains a standard document within the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used specifically for matters under the Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the year of the Act cited (1976).
- Check if there are any new required fields related to COVID-era protocols or digital submission.
- Confirm the specific title wording: 'To Vary OR Discharge'.
- Ensure the Courts Service branding/logo is current.
- Not confirmed in official source (check for recent minor text changes).
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 56.8
- SRCLegal Basis: Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
- SRCPurpose: Summons to alter or cancel an existing Earnings Order.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific digital portal submission requirements.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Vary' with 'Discharge': Vary means changing it (e.g., from €100 to €150); Discharge means ending it entirely.
Thinking you need a new order: You are filing this summons *to change* an old one, not necessarily starting brand new.
Not knowing who the 'Applicant' is: The person filling out and submitting this form is generally the Applicant seeking the change/discharge.
Filing it in the wrong court office: Ensure you file where the original order was made or where the debtor resides.
Source transparency
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