Official form guide
Form 58.18 Order On Question Affecting Welfare Of Child(Ren) - Guardianship Of Infants Act 1964, Section 11
This form is an Order on Question Affecting Welfare of a Child(ren), issued under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, Section 11. You use this when there is a dispute or question about who should care for a child or children.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 58.18 Order On Question Affecting Welfare Of Child(Ren) - Guardianship Of Infants Act 1964, Section 11
This form is an Order on Question Affecting Welfare of a Child(ren), issued under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, Section 11. You use this when there is a dispute or question about who should care for a child or children.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not leave the specific question about welfare vague; be precise!
- 2Failing to identify all children involved
- 3Vagueness regarding the specific 'question'
- 4Not signing and dating the form correctly
- 5Missing required contact details for parties
Plain English
Think of this as asking the Court to make a decision about your child's best interests. It lets you formally bring up a specific issue concerning the welfare of one or more kids before a judge. This relates directly to custody and care arrangements in Ireland.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed deadline unless set by a judge in previous proceedings. Submit it as soon as the issue arises or when instructed to do so.
- 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 when there is an ongoing dispute about who should care for your child(ren).
- It applies specifically to issues covered under Section 11 of the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964.
- You need this form if a court needs to officially decide on a question affecting the welfare of the child.
- This is used when parties cannot agree on the best course of action for the child.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Need an Order but it's about custody/guardianship specifically
This covers broader guardianship issues; check if Section 11 is precise enough for your case.
✓ Check against the specific wording of your dispute.
The issue is solely about financial support (maintenance)
A different form might address just maintenance payments under this Act.
✓ Confirm if the welfare question requires a full order or just an attachment.
You are applying for initial guardianship, not resolving a conflict
This may be the starting point before a dispute escalates to Section 11.
✓ Check the title/section reference on the alternative form.
The issue is about adoption consent under this Act
A dedicated adoption order form might be required instead.
✓ Verify if the welfare question *is* related to adoption.
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline unless set by a judge in previous proceedings. Submit it as soon as the issue arises or when instructed to do so.
Before you submit
- 1Have you clearly stated which child(ren) this order concerns?
- 2Is the full name and address of each party involved listed correctly?
- 3Does the description of the 'Question Affecting Welfare' clearly explain the dispute?
- 4Are all required supporting documents attached (e.g., birth certificates)?
- 5Have you signed and dated the form where indicated?
- 6If submitting online, is the electronic filing method correct for your local court?
How to file this form
- 1Complete every section of Form 58.18 thoroughly.
- 2Gather all necessary supporting documentation (e.g., evidence letters, previous orders).
- 3Sign and date the form in the designated areas.
- 4Submit the completed packet to the relevant Courts Service office or via their online portal.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully signed form for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form itself does not guarantee a specific outcome; it initiates the court process.
- 2The required supporting evidence is not detailed on the form itself—you must provide it separately.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: There may be variations depending on which Circuit or District Court you file with.
- 4It relates specifically to Section 11, so issues outside that specific statutory section might need a different filing.
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 form is used to formalise a court order regarding a child's welfare under the Guardianship of Infants Act 1964. It remains the standard document for Section 11 matters.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the top header for any updated date or version number.
- Confirm the specific reference to 'Guardianship of Infants Act 1964, Section 11' is correct.
- Verify if there are new boxes added for digital submission details.
- Ensure the required signature blocks match the current Court requirements.
- Review any accompanying guidance notes provided by the Courts Service.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 58.18
- SRCGoverning Act: Guardianship of Infants Act 1964
- SRCSpecific Section: Section 11
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: The exact title of the accompanying guidance document.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Welfare' with just 'Custody': Welfare is broader than custody; it covers upbringing, education, and stability too.
Not knowing which section applies: If the dispute isn't explicitly about Section 11, you might use a different form entirely.
Who signs it? Usually, the applicant/petitioner signs, but sometimes both parties sign if they agree on the question.
Assuming it’s automatic: Filing this form does not mean the court agrees with your view; it means the court is *considering* the issue.
Source transparency
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