Official form guide
Form 56.9 Order Varying / Discharging Attachment Of Earnings Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
This form is used within the context of Family Law matters in Ireland. It specifically deals with changing or ending an existing Attachment Of Earnings Order granted under the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act, 1976. You use this when the original order needs adjustment or cancellation.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 56.9 Order Varying / Discharging Attachment Of Earnings Order - Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
This form is used within the context of Family Law matters in Ireland. It specifically deals with changing or ending an existing Attachment Of Earnings Order granted under the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act, 1976. You use this when the original order needs adjustment or cancellation.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Always include the case file number; otherwise, your request may be delayed indefinitely.
- 2Failing to cite the correct original Order Number.
- 3Not clearly stating whether you are Varying or Discharging.
- 4Omitting details about the new payment amount/date.
- 5Submitting it without referencing the specific case file.
Plain English
If a court has ordered someone's wages to be taken out (an 'Attachment of Earnings'), this form lets you tell the courts that the original amount needs changing or that it should stop completely. It relates directly to maintenance payments for spouses or children under Irish law.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed deadline listed in the form itself, but submission should happen as soon as the change in circumstances occurs to avoid incorrect deductions.
- 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 change how much money an employer must deduct from a payee's wages (the order).
- The original Attachment Of Earnings Order needs to be cancelled completely. You are discharging it.
- The existing order is not perfect and requires minor adjustments, but isn't being fully ended yet.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Starting a brand new order
Use this if you have no previous order to change/discharge.
✓ Check the specific request type on your document.
56.9 (or related initial application)
Changing only the amount
If you are just changing the percentage or fixed sum, not adding/removing clauses.
✓ Ensure the new figures match reality.
Discharging only part of it
If some parts of the original order remain valid while others end.
✓ Note exactly which clause is being discharged.
Not confirmed in official source
Use this if you are unsure which specific form applies to your situation.
✓ Contact the Courts Service directly.
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline listed in the form itself, but submission should happen as soon as the change in circumstances occurs to avoid incorrect deductions.
Before you submit
- 1Fill in all boxes clearly using black ink (or digital entry).
- 2Provide the full names and addresses of both parties involved.
- 3Attach a copy of the *original* Attachment Of Earnings Order for reference.
- 4Clearly state whether you are 'Varying' or 'Discharging' in the designated field.
- 5Ensure the employer details (name, address) are complete and accurate.
- 6Sign and date the form where indicated.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 56.9 fully using plain language descriptions.
- 2Gather necessary supporting documents (e.g., proof of income change).
- 3Submit the completed form to the relevant County or Circuit Court office in Ireland.
- 4If submitting digitally, upload the scanned PDF via the Courts Service portal.
- 5Keep a copy of the submitted form for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form does not guarantee the court will approve your request. It only applies the change/discharge.
- 2The specific jurisdiction (which local court handles it) is not confirmed in this source view.
- 3It assumes the original order was granted under the 1976 Act; other acts might require different forms.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: The exact deadline for submission before an event is not listed here.
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 is used for changes to or ending existing orders. It relates specifically to the Maintenance Of Spouses And Children Act, 1976.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if there have been any recent updates to the required supporting documentation list.
- Verify the current date and version number printed on the top of Form 56.9.
- Confirm the correct section headers for 'Varying' versus 'Discharging'.
- Ensure the reference number matches the original Order granted by the Courts.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCForm Number: 56.9
- SRCAct Referenced: Family Law (Maintenance Of Spouses And Children) Act, 1976
- SRCPurpose Confirmed: Order Varying / Discharging Attachment Of Earnings Order
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific colour of ink required for manual filling.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Varying' with 'Discharging': Varying means changing it (e.g., from €50 to €75). Discharging means ending it entirely.
Not knowing which court handles the case: The jurisdiction depends on where the original order was made or where the parties reside.
Forgetting the reference number: Without this, the court cannot link your request (56.9) to the existing order.
Assuming a simple email is enough: While some courts accept it, always check if a formal submission/filing is required.
Source transparency
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