Our Priority.
Our Priority.
Child Maintenance In Ireland
Fair Support For Your Child’s Future
At Canning & Co. Solicitors, we ensure your child receives the financial support they deserve. Whether you’re seeking a fair maintenance agreement or enforcing unpaid payments, we provide compassionate, practical solutions tailored to your family’s needs.
Understanding Child Maintenance in Ireland
Under the Family Law Act 1995, both parents are legally obligated to support their children financially up to the age of 18 or 23 if in full time education, regardless of relationship status. Maintenance covers:
- Basic Needs: Food, clothing, housing, education, transport etc.
- Additional Costs: Healthcare, extracurricular activities, childcare.
- Special Circumstances: Disabilities, therapy etc.
How Child Maintenance Is Calculated
Irish courts can consider:
- Parental Income: Earnings, pensions, and assets of both parents.
- Child’s Needs: Age, health, and standard of living pre-separation.
- Care Arrangements: Time spent with each parent.
- Maintenance responsibilities: One party may have maintenance responsibilities towards other dependents.
Did You Know?
The District Court can only make maintenance awards up to €150.00 per child per week. The District Court can also make a lump sum awards of up to €15,000 per child.
If a parent is seeking maintenance sums greater than the above, they should make an application to the Circuit Court.
It is important to be aware that maintenance and access are two distinct matters and if an Order for maintenance is made against a parent, this does not necessarily give that parent any specific access or guardianship rights.
Our Child Maintenance Services
- Negotiation – Achieve amicable agreements without court intervention.
- Maintenance Orders – Legally binding court orders for regular maintenance payments.
- Enforcement – Secure unpaid maintenance via:
- Attachment of Earnings Order: Deductions made directly from the payer’s salary.
- Maintenance Arrears Application: To be made in person by the Applicant
- Variation Applications – Modify orders due to job loss, illness, or changing needs of either parent
Checklist: Preparing Your Case
Gather these documents for your consultation:
- Proof of income (payslips, tax returns)
- Child’s expense records (school fees, medical bills)
- Existing court orders or agreements
- Communication with the other parent (emails, texts about payments)
Checklist: Preparing Your Case
Gather these documents for your consultation:
- Proof of income (payslips, tax returns)
- Child’s expense records (school fees, medical bills)
- Existing court orders or agreements
- Communication with the other parent (emails, texts about payments)
FAQs: Child Maintenance
Why Choose Canning & Co. Solicitors?
- Child-First Approach: We prioritise your child’s well-being in every decision.
- Enforcement Success: 95% of our cases secure regular payments through legal tools.
- Transparent Advice: Clear explanations of your rights and realistic outcomes.
Client Story
*“After my ex-partner stopped paying maintenance, Canning & Co. Solicitors secured an Attachment of Earnings Order within weeks. Now my daughter’s needs are met without stress.”*
— Linda, Dublin