Child Maintenance

There are two types of maintenance which are as follows: –
1. Child Maintenance
2. Spousal Maintenance

1. Child Maintenance

1.Child Maintenance
Both parents have a duty to financially maintain their dependent children up to the age of 18, or up to age 23 if the child is in full-time education, or would be in full-time education if maintenance were being paid. If the child has a mental or physical disability to such an extent that it is not reasonably possible for the child to maintain her/himself fully then the duty to financially maintain that child continues indefinitely.

Child maintenance is paid to the parent who has primary care and control of the child/children. Child Maintenance can be agreed upon between the parties or an application to the court can be made to obtain a court order. The maximum amount that can be ordered in the District Court is €150 per child per week. If a higher amount is sought an application can be made to the Circuit/High Court.

If Child Maintenance under the terms of a court order is not being paid, it is possible to apply to the court for an Enforcement Order.
Contact us to know more about Child Maintenance Ireland.

2. Spousal Maintenance

2. Spousal Maintenance
Upon separation, a spouse or civil partner may seek spousal maintenance to cover their expenses depending on their financial circumstances. This is a sum of money that is usually paid every week or month by one party to the other either by agreement or under the terms of a court order.

The amount of spousal maintenance depends on a number of factors and each case will need to be considered on its own merits. The maximum amount that can be ordered in the District Court is €500 per week. Depending on the circumstances of the case and if a higher amount is sought an application for spousal maintenance can also be made to the Circuit/High Court.

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