Official form guide
Form 37.26 Recognisance - Probation Of Offenders Act, 1907 Children Act, 2001, Section 114
Form 37.26 is a Recognisance form used under the Probation of Offenders Act 1907, the Children Act 2001 and Section 114 provisions. It is completed when a court requires a recognisance – a financial guarantee – for a person charged with an offence, often involving a child.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 37.26 Recognisance - Probation Of Offenders Act, 1907 Children Act, 2001, Section 114
Form 37.26 is a Recognisance form used under the Probation of Offenders Act 1907, the Children Act 2001 and Section 114 provisions. It is completed when a court requires a recognisance – a financial guarantee – for a person charged with an offence, often involving a child.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the guarantor’s signature, which invalidates the recognisance.
- 2Incorrect recognisance amount
- 3Missing guarantor signature
- 4Wrong court reference number
- 5Failure to attach required ID documents
Plain English
A recognisance is a promise to pay a sum of money if the person breaks certain conditions set by the court. This form records that promise and any related conditions, such as bail or child‑protection orders.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The recognisance must be filed before the court‑set deadline, usually within 24‑48 hours of the order, otherwise the defendant may be remanded.
- 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 court orders a recognisance as part of bail.
- When a child‑related offence triggers a Section 114 recognisance requirement.
- When a surety is needed to guarantee compliance with court conditions.
- Instead of a standard bail bond form, which does not capture recognisance specifics.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bail without recognisance
Simpler, no financial guarantee
✓ Verify if recognisance is actually required
Child protection order
Different legal basis
✓ Use only for protection orders, not recognisance
Appeal of recognisance decision
For challenging recognisance amount
✓ Confirm appeal deadline before filing
Deadline or filing window
The recognisance must be filed before the court‑set deadline, usually within 24‑48 hours of the order, otherwise the defendant may be remanded.
Before you submit
- 1Court order reviewed for amount and conditions
- 2All required fields completed
- 3Guarantor signature present
- 4Defendant and guarantor IDs attached
- 5Correct court reference number entered
- 6Form signed by the solicitor (if applicable)
- 7Copy made for personal records
- 8Delivery method (in‑person, post, portal) confirmed
- 9Deadline calculated and met
How to file this form
- 1Collect the court order and identification documents.
- 2Complete the recognisance form using clear, legible handwriting or typed text.
- 3Obtain the guarantor’s signature and contact details.
- 4Attach copies of ID for both defendant and guarantor.
- 5Deliver the form to the court clerk in person or via the Courts Service portal.
- 6Obtain a receipt or confirmation of filing.
Known limitations
- 1Form only accepts cash recognisance amounts; electronic bonds require a different process.
- 2Not valid for cases outside the jurisdiction of the issuing court.
- 3No online validation of guarantor details – must be checked manually.
- 4Only one guarantor allowed per recognisance on this form.
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 37.26 is currently in active use with no major revisions reported in the last 12 months.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the recognisance amount matches the latest court order.
- Confirm the correct court reference (case number) is entered.
- Verify the guarantor’s full name and address are up to date.
- Ensure any new conditions added by the judge are recorded.
- Review for any updated signature fields introduced in the latest version.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service catalogue
- SRCProbation of Offenders Act 1907 referenceinferred from title
- SRCChildren Act 2001 Section 114 referenceinferred from title
- SRCSubmission methods (in‑person, post, portal)typical for Courts Service forms
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact deadline length after court order
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: electronic submission availability for Form 37.26
Common confusion points
Mixing up recognisance amount with bail amount
Leaving the guarantor’s address blank
Using the wrong case number on the form
Submitting the form after the deadline
Assuming electronic payment is accepted on this paper form
Not attaching required ID copies
Failing to note additional conditions imposed by the judge
Source transparency
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