Official form guide
Form 57.8 Warrant Of Detention (Failure To Attend) - Family Law Act 1976, S.9A
This form is a Warrant of Detention issued under the Family Law Act 1976, Section 9A. It is used when someone fails to attend a required court hearing related to family matters.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 57.8 Warrant Of Detention (Failure To Attend) - Family Law Act 1976, S.9A
This form is a Warrant of Detention issued under the Family Law Act 1976, Section 9A. It is used when someone fails to attend a required court hearing related to family matters.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to reference the specific Section 9A of the Family Law Act 1976 on the document.
- 2Omitting the case number from the family law matter.
- 3Incorrectly dating the 'Failure To Attend' event.
- 4Not clearly stating *why* attendance was mandatory.
- 5Failing to sign/date the document by the filing party.
Plain English
Simply put, this document tells the court you need to be held or detained because you missed a scheduled family law hearing. You use it when attendance is mandatory but hasn't happened. This form formalises that failure with the Courts Service of Ireland.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form as soon as possible after the failure to attend occurs. There is no strict universal deadline, but prompt action is required.
- 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
- Use this form when someone fails to appear at a court hearing concerning family matters.
- It applies specifically under Section 9A of the Family Law Act 1976.
- Do not use it if the failure to attend is due to illness, unless that excuse has already been noted in the court file.
- Use this when detention is required as a consequence, not just a warning.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Failure to comply with an Order
Detention is the specific penalty being sought under S.9A.
✓ Check if simple summons/warning suffices.
General Court Summons Notice
If you are just notifying someone they must attend, use a general notice first.
✓ Ensure the underlying court order references this failure.
Enforcement of Maintenance Order (Non-Attendance)
This form specifically covers detention for failing to show up regarding family obligations.
✓ Check if the breach is related to maintenance payments or just general attendance.
Application for Adjournment
If you are asking the court to *postpone* the date, not enforce a penalty yet, use this instead.
✓ Confirm whether detention is the desired outcome or merely rescheduling.
Deadline or filing window
Submit this form as soon as possible after the failure to attend occurs. There is no strict universal deadline, but prompt action is required.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure both parties' names and addresses are fully legible.
- 2Verify the specific court hearing date/time that was missed.
- 3Confirm which party is requesting the detention (the applicant).
- 4Check that the legal basis—Family Law Act 1976, S.9A—is correctly cited.
- 5Make sure the signature block includes the name and title of the person issuing the warrant.
- 6If submitting electronically, confirm the digital file is not corrupted.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields on Form 57.8 accurately.
- 2Sign the form where indicated by the Courts Service.
- 3Attach any supporting documentation (e.g., original court order, witness statement).
- 4Submit the form to the relevant Court Office or via the designated online portal.
- 5Obtain a stamped or digital confirmation receipt upon submission.
Known limitations
- 1This form initiates detention; it does not guarantee immediate imprisonment or fine imposition. That is up to the Judge/District Court.
- 2The validity of this warrant depends on the underlying court order being active and enforceable.
- 3If the failure to attend relates to a different Act (e.g., Children Act), use an alternate form unless specified otherwise.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: The maximum detention period allowed by S.9A is not explicitly stated on the blank 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->This is the standard Warrant of Detention document for family law breaches under the Family Law Act 1976. It remains a key tool used by Courts Service personnel when enforcement action is needed.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the current issue date printed on the form.
- Verify if any specific references to Revenue Online Service (ROS) requirements have been added.
- Confirm the exact wording of Section 9A reference is correct.
- Look for updates regarding digital submission protocols via the Courts Service portal.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 57.8
- SRCLegal Basis: Family Law Act 1976, Section 9A
- SRCPurpose: Warrant Of Detention (Failure To Attend)
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific departmental routing requirements for submission.
Common confusion points
Mistaking this warrant for a simple 'Warning Letter'—this is a formal order to detain.
Not clearly stating *why* the person failed to attend (e.g., illness vs. willful disregard).
Failing to cross-reference it with the original court date/time mentioned in the case file.
Assuming the detention automatically means jail time; it is a warrant leading to potential detention.
Source transparency
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