54.1  Application for Maintenance - Family Law (Maintenance of Spouses and Children) Act 1976, as amended

What this form is for

• • Use this form to request maintenance from a spouse or former spouse
• • Use this form to request maintenance for children from a parent
• • Use this form when establishing maintenance for the first time
• • Use this form to modify existing maintenance orders
• • Do not use this form for property division - that requires a different form
• • Do not use this form for guardianship arrangements - that requires a different form

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no strict deadline for filing this form, but it should be submitted as soon as maintenance is needed. Delays could affect the start date of any maintenance order granted.

Before you submit

• • Complete all sections of the form
• • Include accurate contact information for all parties
• • Attach supporting financial documents
• • Calculate proposed maintenance amounts based on guidelines
• • Sign and date the form
• • Make copies for your records
• • Check court fees and payment method requirements

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct form from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information
3. 3Gather supporting financial documents
4. 4Calculate proposed maintenance amounts
5. 5Make copies of everything before submitting
6. 6Submit to the appropriate court office
7. 7Pay any required fees

Known limitations

• • This form only requests maintenance - it doesn't guarantee a specific amount will be awarded
• • The court may request additional information not covered in this form
• • Maintenance amounts are based on specific guidelines and may differ from your request
• • The court process can take time - immediate financial relief is not guaranteed