Discharge of maintenance order
A Maintenance Court process that ends an existing maintenance order where the legal and factual basis for ending it is proved.
Definition
Discharge is different from simply stopping payment. The court will usually need to compare the existing order with current circumstances, including the child's age or dependency, income, expenses, care arrangements, previous payments, arrears, and any reason the duty of support should continue, change, or end.
Key takeaways
A Maintenance Court process that ends an existing maintenance order where the legal and factual basis for ending it is proved.
Family Law
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Related legal problems
This glossary provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Common situations
Maintenance discharge
Maintenance variation
Changed dependency
Related resources
Resources and guides
Maintenance Documents Checklist
Document pack for income, expenses, child costs, payment records, and maintenance court preparation.
Family LawChecklistMaintenance Variation Checklist
Prepare for a maintenance variation discussion by organising the existing order, changed financial facts, income and expense records, child needs, payment history, court forms, and consultation questions.
Family LawPreparation PackMaintenance Preparation Pack
Maintenance Preparation Pack for organising facts, dates, documents, and next steps before seeking family law help.
Family LawFAQs
Discharge of maintenance order FAQs
What does Discharge of maintenance order mean?
A Maintenance Court process that ends an existing maintenance order where the legal and factual basis for ending it is proved.
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