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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

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.

The form captures details about the person who failed to attend and the specific court hearing they missed. It confirms the legal basis for the detention order under S.9A.

Risk Radar

  • Do not forget to reference the specific Section 9A of the Family Law Act 1976 on the document.
  • Omitting the case number from the family law matter.
  • Incorrectly dating the 'Failure To Attend' event.
  • Not clearly stating *why* attendance was mandatory.
  • Failing 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

  • 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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Glossary Terms

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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.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Failure to comply with an OrderForm 57.8 (This one)Detention is the specific penalty being sought under S.9A.Check if simple summons/warning suffices.
General Court Summons NoticeNot confirmed in official sourceIf 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)Form 57.8 (This one)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 AdjournmentNot confirmed in official sourceIf 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

  • Ensure both parties' names and addresses are fully legible.
  • Verify the specific court hearing date/time that was missed.
  • Confirm which party is requesting the detention (the applicant).
  • Check that the legal basis—Family Law Act 1976, S.9A—is correctly cited.
  • Make sure the signature block includes the name and title of the person issuing the warrant.
  • If submitting electronically, confirm the digital file is not corrupted.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all required fields on Form 57.8 accurately.
  2. 2Sign the form where indicated by the Courts Service.
  3. 3Attach any supporting documentation (e.g., original court order, witness statement).
  4. 4Submit the form to the relevant Court Office or via the designated online portal.
  5. 5Obtain a stamped or digital confirmation receipt upon submission.

Known limitations

  • This form initiates detention; it does not guarantee immediate imprisonment or fine imposition. That is up to the Judge/District Court.
  • The validity of this warrant depends on the underlying court order being active and enforceable.
  • If the failure to attend relates to a different Act (e.g., Children Act), use an alternate form unless specified otherwise.
  • Not confirmed in official source: The maximum detention period allowed by S.9A is not explicitly stated on the blank form.

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Current Form Status

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.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

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

A party involved in a family law case needs to fill this out. Usually, a solicitor or representative files it on behalf of their client.
The form captures details about the person who failed to attend and the specific court hearing they missed. It confirms the legal basis for the detention order under S.9A.
It is submitted immediately after the required attendance date has passed. The timing depends on when the failure occurs relative to the scheduled court date.
This form is submitted to the relevant Irish District or Circuit Court. Submission can often be done via the Courts Service of Ireland online portal.
Submitting it incorrectly might lead to delays in getting a detention order issued. Errors could also mean the person avoids necessary court action.
First, fill in all identifying details of the parties involved. Next, clearly state the date and nature of the missed hearing. Finally, sign and date the form before submitting it through your chosen method.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
23/10/25

57.8 Warrant Of Detention (Failure To Attend) - Family Law Act 1976, S.9A

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After you file

  • Track the case file number assigned to this warrant.
  • Follow up with the Court Office after 7 working days if no action has been taken.
  • If detention occurs, ensure you receive notification of the date and location.
  • Keep a copy of the filed form for your personal records.

Source and verification log

  • Issued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
  • Form Number: 57.8
  • Legal Basis: Family Law Act 1976, Section 9A
  • Purpose: Warrant Of Detention (Failure To Attend)
  • Not confirmed in official source: Specific departmental routing requirements for submission.

Common confusion points

4 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mistaking this warrant for a simple 'Warning Letter'—this is a formal order to detain.

  • 2

    Not clearly stating *why* the person failed to attend (e.g., illness vs. willful disregard).

  • 3

    Failing to cross-reference it with the original court date/time mentioned in the case file.

  • 4

    Assuming the detention automatically means jail time; it is a warrant leading to potential detention.

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