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57.3  Application to Recover Arrears of Maintenance Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, Section 9A. Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Section 52A

This form allows someone to ask the Courts Service of Ireland for money owed in maintenance. It is used when you need to recover past payments related to family law matters under either the 1976 Act or the 2010 Civil Partnership Act.

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Form Overview

57.3  Application to Recover Arrears of Maintenance Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, Section 9A. Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Section 52A

This form allows someone to ask the Courts Service of Ireland for money owed in maintenance. It is used when you need to recover past payments related to family law matters under either the 1976 Act or the 2010 Civil Partnership Act.

The form captures details about the maintenance amount, how much is overdue, and which specific Act (1976 or 2010) applies to the debt.

Risk Radar

  • Do not forget to specify which piece of legislation (the 1976 Act OR the 2010 Act) your arrears relate to!
  • Incorrectly citing the relevant section (9A vs 52A).
  • Failing to state the exact amount of the arrears claimed.
  • Missing the signature or date field on the application.
  • Not clearly identifying who owes the money (the debtor).

Plain English

If someone owes you money for supporting them (like spousal support or child maintenance), this form helps you formally claim those overdue amounts. You use it when previous payments haven't kept up with what is owed under Irish family law rules.

Submission Date

  • While no specific deadline is listed, you should submit this as soon as possible after realizing the maintenance payments are in arrears.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • You need to claim money that was owed in maintenance (past due).
  • The debt relates to a spouse or child's maintenance, governed by the 1976 Act.
  • Or, the debt relates to maintenance under the Civil Partnership and Cohabitants Act of 2010.
  • Use this when you need the Courts Service to help recover those arrears.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Maintenance for a SpouseForm 57.3Used if the debt is related to marriage upkeep.Check if your agreement falls under the 1976 Act or 2010 Act.
Maintenance for a ChildForm 57.3Used when claiming arrears owed for children.Confirm if the obligation stems from the 1976 Act or 2010 Act.
General Debt Claim (Other)Not confirmed in official sourceUse another form if the debt isn't specifically maintenance under these Acts.Don't use this if it's a loan repayment.

Deadline or filing window

While no specific deadline is listed, you should submit this as soon as possible after realizing the maintenance payments are in arrears.

Before you submit

  • All required fields are filled out (no blanks).
  • You have attached copies of the original maintenance order/agreement.
  • The names and addresses match official records.
  • The amount claimed is clearly stated in Euros (€).
  • You have signed and dated the application correctly.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all sections of Form 57.3 thoroughly.
  2. 2Attach supporting documentation (e.g., original court order, payment statements).
  3. 3Submit the form to the relevant Courts Service office or via the online portal.
  4. 4Keep a copy of the fully submitted form for your records.

Known limitations

  • This form only applies if maintenance is governed by the specified Acts.
  • It does not cover debts outside of family law maintenance (e.g., rent arrears).
  • The maximum recoverable amount limit is not confirmed in official source, but it must be stated on the form.
  • If you are claiming through another body (like the CRO), check their specific requirements.

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Current Form Status

This form is active for use through the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically covers recovering past maintenance payments under two key pieces of Irish legislation.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the date of the current version for accuracy.
  • Ensure you have selected the correct Act/Section (1976 S. 9A vs 2010 S. 52A).
  • Verify the names and details match exactly with your existing court order or agreement.
  • Confirm if the arrears relate to spousal, child, or both maintenance.
  • Check for any specific instructions regarding Civil Partnership status.

Quick Facts

Either the person who is owed the money (the applicant) or their legal representative files this form.
The form captures details about the maintenance amount, how much is overdue, and which specific Act (1976 or 2010) applies to the debt.
Submit this when you have a clear record of arrears that need recovery. There are no strict deadlines mentioned in the title, but prompt submission is advised.
Submission details are not confirmed in official source, but it will be directed through the Courts Service channels (likely online or by post).
Submitting this correctly ensures the Court knows exactly what debt to chase. Errors can cause delays in getting your owed maintenance money.
First, fill out all sections clearly using black ink. Ensure you state whether the claim falls under Section 9A of the 1976 Act or Section 52A of the 2010 Act. Then, sign and date the application before sending it off.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
23/10/25

57.3  Application to Recover Arrears of Maintenance Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act, 1976, Section 9A. Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Section 52A

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After you file

  • Note the tracking or reference number given by the Courts Service.
  • Keep copies of all correspondence from the Court regarding your application.
  • Follow up if no acknowledgement is received within a reasonable timeframe.
  • Be prepared to provide bank details for recovery payments.

Source and verification log

  • Issuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
  • Form Number: 57.3
  • Primary Legislation: Maintenance of Spouses and Children Act, 1976, Section 9A
  • Secondary Legislation: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Section 52A
  • Purpose: Application to Recover Arrears of Maintenance
  • Context: Family Law Matters

Common confusion points

4 things to watch for

  • 1

    Confusing maintenance owed *now* with arrears (past due).

  • 2

    Not knowing whether the debt falls under the 1976 Act or the 2010 Act.

  • 3

    Failing to attach proof of the original order/agreement.

  • 4

    Using a generic claim form when this specific one is required.

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