Official form guide
Form 60.16 Application For An Order For The Protection Of Family Home In The Interest Of The Spouse Or Dependent Child
This form (60.16) is used when someone needs a court order to protect the family home. It applies specifically for either the spouse or a dependent child's benefit.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 60.16 Application For An Order For The Protection Of Family Home In The Interest Of The Spouse Or Dependent Child
This form (60.16) is used when someone needs a court order to protect the family home. It applies specifically for either the spouse or a dependent child's benefit.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to specify *who* exactly the order must protect (spouse vs. dependent child).
- 2Failing to detail the nature of the threat to the home.
- 3Incorrectly identifying whether the applicant is the spouse or dependent child.
- 4Missing signatures or dates required by the Courts Service.
- 5Not providing proof/evidence supporting the claim (if requested).
Plain English
If your family home is at risk, you use this paperwork to ask the Courts Service for protection. It helps secure the property for you or your children. This formal application starts the process of getting that official court order in place.
Submission Date
- Filing date: While there isn't a universal deadline listed on the form itself, submit this as soon as the threat to the family home becomes clear.
- 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
- You need this form if you want the court to formally protect your family home.
- The request must be specifically for the benefit of either yourself (the spouse) or a dependent child.
- Use it when another party is threatening the stability or ownership of the family residence.
- This covers protection, not necessarily divorce or maintenance alone.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Divorce Application
If you are applying for a full divorce and want home protection included in one go
✓ Check if the application specifically mentions 'Protection of Family Home'.
Application for Maintenance Only
If your main goal is just financial support, but you need to mention the home later
✓ Ensure you clearly state the home's address on this form.
CRO Application (e.g., change of ownership)
If the threat comes from a property transfer or sale registered with the Companies Registration Office
✓ Confirm if the Court Order needs to be linked to a specific CRO transaction.
Deadline or filing window
While there isn't a universal deadline listed on the form itself, submit this as soon as the threat to the family home becomes clear.
Before you submit
- 1All sections must be completed clearly using black ink.
- 2The applicant's full name, address, and contact details must be present.
- 3Clearly state who the order is for (Spouse OR Dependent Child).
- 4Attach evidence proving the relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates).
- 5Ensure you have listed the exact property address being protected.
- 6Sign and date the form in the designated signature block.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 60.16 fully using clear handwriting or typing.
- 2Gather all required supporting documentation (evidence of relationship, ownership deeds, etc.).
- 3Determine which specific court office handles family protection applications in your area.
- 4Submit the completed form and documents to the appropriate Courts Service office.
- 5If filing online, upload scans/photos of the signed documents via the designated portal.
- 6Keep a copy of the entire submitted package for your records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to protecting the *family home*; it does not cover rental agreements or business premises unless they are the primary residence.
- 2The court may require further documentation beyond what is listed on Form 60.16 itself.
- 3Submitting this form does not guarantee an order will be granted; it starts the process.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: The specific fees payable must be verified against current Courts Service rates.
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 active Form 60.16 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It remains the primary application form for seeking protection for a family home.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date printed on the form header for the latest revision.
- Verify if any boxes related to 'Shared Ownership' have been added or removed.
- Confirm the required supporting document list matches what is listed in the current version.
- Look for updates regarding digital submission requirements (e.g., online filing portals).
- Ensure the jurisdiction/court section has not changed.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 60.16
- SRCForm Name: Application For An Order For The Protection Of Family Home In The Interest Of The Spouse Or Dependent Child
- SRCContext: Used for seeking protection for the primary residence.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific court jurisdiction requirements (e.g., Dublin vs. Cork).
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current associated filing fee amount.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Spouse' vs. 'Dependent Child': If there are children, make sure you specify if the order is for *you* or *them*, or both.
Thinking it covers everything: This form protects the *home*; it doesn't automatically grant spousal maintenance payments.
Not naming the correct property: Listing a nearby house instead of the actual family home address leads to delays.
Filing too late: If you wait until after a major sale, the protection request may be less effective.
Source transparency
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