Official form guide
Form 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
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 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.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to specify which piece of legislation (the 1976 Act OR the 2010 Act) your arrears relate to!
- 2Incorrectly citing the relevant section (9A vs 52A).
- 3Failing to state the exact amount of the arrears claimed.
- 4Missing the signature or date field on the application.
- 5Not 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
- Filing 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.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Maintenance for a Spouse
Used if the debt is related to marriage upkeep.
✓ Check if your agreement falls under the 1976 Act or 2010 Act.
Maintenance for a Child
Used when claiming arrears owed for children.
✓ Confirm if the obligation stems from the 1976 Act or 2010 Act.
General Debt Claim (Other)
Use 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
- 1All required fields are filled out (no blanks).
- 2You have attached copies of the original maintenance order/agreement.
- 3The names and addresses match official records.
- 4The amount claimed is clearly stated in Euros (€).
- 5You have signed and dated the application correctly.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 57.3 thoroughly.
- 2Attach supporting documentation (e.g., original court order, payment statements).
- 3Submit the form to the relevant Courts Service office or via the online portal.
- 4Keep a copy of the fully submitted form for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies if maintenance is governed by the specified Acts.
- 2It does not cover debts outside of family law maintenance (e.g., rent arrears).
- 3The maximum recoverable amount limit is not confirmed in official source, but it must be stated on the form.
- 4If you are claiming through another body (like the CRO), check their specific requirements.
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 active for use through the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically covers recovering past maintenance payments under two key pieces of Irish legislation.
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
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 57.3
- SRCPrimary Legislation: Maintenance of Spouses and Children Act, 1976, Section 9A
- SRCSecondary Legislation: Civil Partnership and Certain Rights and Obligations of Cohabitants Act 2010, Section 52A
- SRCPurpose: Application to Recover Arrears of Maintenance
- SRCContext: Family Law Matters
Common confusion points
Confusing maintenance owed *now* with arrears (past due).
Not knowing whether the debt falls under the 1976 Act or the 2010 Act.
Failing to attach proof of the original order/agreement.
Using a generic claim form when this specific one is required.
Source transparency
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