Official form guide
Form 58.8 Order Appointing Guardian(S) - Guardianship Of Children Acts 1964 To 1997 Section 8(1)
This is Form 58.8, an official document from the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically deals with appointing a Guardian or Guardians under Section 8(1) of the Guardianship Of Children Acts (covering legislation from 1964 to 1997). You use this form when a court needs to officially name someone to look after a child.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 58.8 Order Appointing Guardian(S) - Guardianship Of Children Acts 1964 To 1997 Section 8(1)
This is Form 58.8, an official document from the Courts Service of Ireland. It specifically deals with appointing a Guardian or Guardians under Section 8(1) of the Guardianship Of Children Acts (covering legislation from 1964 to 1997). You use this form when a court needs to officially name someone to look after a child.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to specify which specific Act (e.g., 1964 or 1997) applies if multiple versions are relevant.
- 2Missing details of the child (e.g., date of birth).
- 3Failing to clearly name the appointed Guardian(s).
- 4Incorrectly citing the relevant Guardianship Act year.
- 5Not having the necessary signatures from involved parties.
Plain English
Think of this as the official paperwork that tells the Irish courts who is legally responsible for a child. If there's an issue or need, this form formalises who will be their guardian. It locks in the legal arrangement for the child's care.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The filing timing is event-driven; submit it as soon as the need for a guardianship appointment arises before the court session.
- 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 needs to officially name someone as a Guardian or Guardians for a child.
- Use this form specifically when dealing with cases governed by the Guardianship Of Children Acts (1964 to 1997).
- This is required when applying under Section 8(1) of that Act.
- It signals a formal court process, not just an agreement between parents.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Guardian appointment for modern cases
Check if the case falls under newer legislation first.
✓ Ensure you select the correct Act reference.
Form related to current Guardianship Acts (post-1997)
Simple parental consent agreement
If parents agree without a full court order, this might suffice initially.
✓ Review requirements from your local District Court.
Guardian change/variation
Use this if you are changing an existing appointment rather than making the first one.
✓ Confirm the specific variation needed on the form.
Deadline or filing window
The filing timing is event-driven; submit it as soon as the need for a guardianship appointment arises before the court session.
Before you submit
- 1All required sections of Form 58.8 are fully completed (no blank spaces).
- 2The names and addresses of the child(ren) and proposed Guardian(s) are accurate.
- 3Supporting documentation (e.g., birth certificates, parental consent forms) is attached.
- 4The correct court fee amount has been calculated and included.
- 5The form is signed by the relevant party/applicant.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 58.8 thoroughly using black or blue ink.
- 2Gather all necessary supporting documents referenced on the form.
- 3Calculate the required court filing fee for this specific order application.
- 4Submit the completed package to the relevant Courts Service office (or via the online portal).
- 5Keep a copy of the submitted, stamped form for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only covers appointments under the 1964-1997 Acts; it may not cover all modern guardianship scenarios.
- 2It does not guarantee the court will grant the order; it is an application.
- 3The exact required supporting documents are not confirmed in this general source view.
- 4Filing fees can vary depending on the specific jurisdiction/court within Ireland.
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 Form 58.8 used for appointing guardians under older legislation. It remains a core document within the Courts Service of Ireland.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check for updates to the required supporting documentation list.
- Verify if there have been changes to the language used in Section 8(1) references.
- Confirm the current court filing fee amount associated with Form 58.8.
- Look for any new fields added regarding digital submission requirements.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 58.8
- SRCGoverning Legislation: Guardianship Of Children Acts 1964 To 1997
- SRCSpecific Section Referenced: Section 8(1)
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: The exact title of the accompanying supporting document template.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Guardian' vs. 'Legal Guardian': While often used interchangeably, check if the court requires a specific legal designation.
Not knowing which Act applies: If the parents are married under newer legislation, you might need a different form despite the child being born during that period.
Who signs it? The applicant, the petitioning party, or both?
Assuming automatic approval: Submitting the form does not mean the appointment is guaranteed; the court must approve it.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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