Official form guide
Form 57.1 Summons For Attendance Of Maintenance Debtor - Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940, Section 8 (As Amended By Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, Section 63)
This form is a Summons issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically relates to enforcing court orders under Section 8 of the Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940 (as amended). Use it when you need to legally compel someone who owes maintenance payments to appear in court.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 57.1 Summons For Attendance Of Maintenance Debtor - Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940, Section 8 (As Amended By Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, Section 63)
This form is a Summons issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically relates to enforcing court orders under Section 8 of the Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940 (as amended). Use it when you need to legally compel someone who owes maintenance payments to appear in court.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Double-check that the Act/Section references (1940 & 2011) are correct on the document.
- 2Incorrectly identifying the Maintenance Debtor
- 3Failing to cite the original Court Order number
- 4Using an outdated version of Form 57.1
- 5Not specifying the exact amount owed in arrears
Plain English
Simply put, this is a formal notice telling someone they must show up for a hearing. This happens because they are failing to pay the agreed-upon maintenance amount from a previous court order. It forces them to attend so the court can deal with their non-payment.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no specific universal deadline listed here, but submission should happen as soon as maintenance arrears occur and enforcement action is required.
- 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 force someone (the Maintenance Debtor) to attend court.
- The debt relates specifically to a previously granted maintenance order.
- This form covers enforcement actions under Section 8 of the Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940.
- Use this when simple demands or letters haven't made the debtor appear.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Maintenance Order Exists
Need to compel attendance for a specific payment/hearing
✓ Check if you need an order *before* summoning
Debt is not maintenance related
If the debt is general (e.g., rent, loan) use another summons form
✓ Verify the type of obligation owed
You are filing for a new maintenance order
Use a different application form to *obtain* the order first
✓ Confirm if the order already exists
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific universal deadline listed here, but submission should happen as soon as maintenance arrears occur and enforcement action is required.
Before you submit
- 1The Maintenance Debtor's full name and address are correct.
- 2The Court Order reference number is accurately cited.
- 3Your own details (the person seeking enforcement) are complete.
- 4You have clearly stated *why* the debtor must attend.
- 5All required signature blocks are filled out.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 57.1 thoroughly.
- 2Sign and date the form where indicated.
- 3File the completed summons with the relevant District or Circuit Court office.
- 4Ensure you receive an official filing receipt stamp.
- 5Keep a copy for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only compels attendance; it doesn't automatically collect the debt.
- 2Its applicability is strictly limited to maintenance obligations under Section 8.
- 3The specific court rules might require accompanying documentation (like a copy of the original order).
- 4Not confirmed in official source: It does not dictate the exact penalty for non-attendance.
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 a standard summons used within the Irish courts system. It remains relevant for enforcing maintenance payments under the specified Act and amendments.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date stamp on the top corner.
- Verify that the full title includes 'Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940, Section 8'.
- Ensure the amendment reference mentions 'Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, Section 63'.
- Confirm the specific court this summons is addressed to.
- Look for any updated Courts Service of Ireland logo or document ID.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Body: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 57.1
- SRCPrimary Legislation Cited: Enforcement Of Court Orders Act 1940, Section 8
- SRCKey Amendment Cited: Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2011, Section 63
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: The specific court jurisdiction covered.
Common confusion points
Confusing this summons (compelling appearance) with a judgment application (asking the judge to rule).
Not clearly stating that the obligation is 'Maintenance' and not general debt.
Failing to reference the specific Court Order number that established the maintenance.
Assuming filing it automatically means the debtor will show up without proper service.
Source transparency
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