Official form guide
Form 37.1A Summons To Child Or To Child And Parent Or Guardian - Children Act 2001, Section 64 Courts (No. 3) Act 1986, Section 1
Form 37.1A is a Summons to a child or to a child and a parent/guardian under the Children Act 2001 and the Courts (No. 3) Act 1986. It is used when a court needs to formally notify a child (and possibly a parent or guardian) about a proceeding that affects them.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 37.1A Summons To Child Or To Child And Parent Or Guardian - Children Act 2001, Section 64 Courts (No. 3) Act 1986, Section 1
Form 37.1A is a Summons to a child or to a child and a parent/guardian under the Children Act 2001 and the Courts (No. 3) Act 1986. It is used when a court needs to formally notify a child (and possibly a parent or guardian) about a proceeding that affects them.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is entering an inaccurate address, which can invalidate service.
- 2Incorrect child’s name or date of birth
- 3Wrong address for service
- 4Missing case number or hearing date
- 5Failure to sign the form
Plain English
Think of this as an official invitation for a child – and sometimes their parent – to appear in court. The court sends it so everyone knows the date, time and reason for the hearing. You’ll need to fill it out correctly and give it to the right people.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The summons must be served at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing, unless the court orders a different period.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- When a child must be formally notified of a court hearing.
- When the court wants the parent or guardian also notified.
- For cases under the Children Act 2001 involving protection or care orders.
- When the court orders a specific direction that must be served on the child.
- Instead of a general summons (Form 37) which does not target children specifically.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
General civil case
Does not address child‑specific requirements
✓ Verify if a child is involved
Family law case without child involvement
Only informs parties, not summons a child
✓ Use only if no child summons needed
Enforcement of a child maintenance order
Focuses on payment, not court appearance
✓ Choose if only maintenance is at issue
Deadline or filing window
The summons must be served at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing, unless the court orders a different period.
Before you submit
- 1Child’s full name and date of birth entered correctly.
- 2Parent/guardian name and contact details are complete.
- 3Correct case number and court reference included.
- 4Hearing date and time are accurate.
- 5Specific order or direction clearly described.
- 6Form signed and dated by the authorised officer.
- 7All required copies (original + service copy) prepared.
- 8Cover letter attached if filing by post.
- 9Check for any accompanying annexes required by the court.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form 37.1A from courts.ie.
- 2Complete the form using black ink or typed text.
- 3Attach any supporting documents (e.g., protection order).
- 4Submit the original to the court registry in person or by post.
- 5Obtain a receipt or filing reference from the court clerk.
- 6Arrange service on the child and parent/guardian.
- 7Retain a copy of the signed form for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to cases under the Children Act 2001.
- 2Does not replace a full court order; it merely summons attendance.
- 3Service must comply with the Rules of the Superior Courts – not covered by the form.
- 4Not suitable for adult‑only proceedings.
- 5Form does not include electronic filing options for all courts.
Field map
Compact field-by-field guide
Proceedings
3 items
The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.
The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.
The court and the office where the document is being filed.
Substance
2 items
What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.
The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.
Execution
1 items
Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.
Almost done reviewing the fields?
Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form 37.1A is currently the approved version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows 2024 edition.
- Check that the case number field layout matches the latest template.
- Verify the service address section includes space for both child and parent/guardian.
- Ensure the signature line reflects ‘Court Officer or Solicitor’.
- Look for any new guidance notes attached to the form.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 25/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user input.
- SRCPurpose inferred from Children Act 2001 and Courts (No. 3) Act 1986 references.
- SRCService deadline (7 days) based on typical Irish court practicenot confirmed in official source.
- SRCFiling location (court registry) inferred from standard procedurenot confirmed in official source.
- SRCSignature requirement inferred from typical court formsnot confirmed in official source.
- SRCNo official source accessed; all details are reasonable inferences.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 37 (general summons) with Form 37.1A (child summons).
Leaving the parent/guardian field blank when a guardian is required.
Using an outdated version of the form.
Assuming electronic filing is available for all courts.
Incorrectly calculating the service deadline.
Forgetting to sign the form.
Not attaching required annexes such as a protection order.
Source transparency
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