Chapter 9 of 13 · Family law · Maintenance worksheet

What should I bring to a maintenance hearing?

Checked 15 Oct 2026the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976.

Under the Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976, the District Court can order up to €500 a week for a spouse and €150 a week for each child, and a lump sum up to €15,000; above those limits the application goes to the Circuit Court. There is no formula. This worksheet lays out both sides' means and the children's costs the way the judge asks for them.

The worksheet

Both sides' means, and what the children cost

Kept in this tab only; closing it clears the sheet. Nothing is sent anywhere. Weekly figures: divide a monthly figure by 4.33.

Your net weekly incomeAfter tax, including any payments you receive.The other parent's net weekly incomeAs best you know it; the court can ask for proof.Your rent or mortgage a weekYour childcare a weekYour other fixed outgoings a weekThe other parent's rent or mortgage a weekThe other parent's childcare a weekThe other parent's other fixed outgoings a week

The children

Number of childrenThe District Court limit is €150 a week for each child.Children's school costs a weekChildren's childcare costs a weekChildren's clothing costs a weekChildren's medical costs a weekChildren's activities costs a weekChildren's other costs a weekExisting maintenance order a week, if anyMaintenance sought for a spouse or civil partner a week, if anyThe District Court limit is €500 a week.

The sheet adds up what you enter and sets it against the District Court's limits. It does not say what the court may order, and it is not a formula: Irish law has none. Bring payslips, a statement of means and receipts for the children's costs to the hearing.