Official form guide
Form 96C.4 Notice Of Application For Behaviour Order - Children Act 2001, Section 257D
This form is a Notice of Application for a Behaviour Order under the Children Act 2001, specifically referencing Section 257D. You use it when you need the Court to formally issue an order requiring specific behaviour from someone regarding a child.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 96C.4 Notice Of Application For Behaviour Order - Children Act 2001, Section 257D
This form is a Notice of Application for a Behaviour Order under the Children Act 2001, specifically referencing Section 257D. You use it when you need the Court to formally issue an order requiring specific behaviour from someone regarding a child.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't forget to specify which section of the Children Act 2001 you are relying on!
- 2Not clearly stating the required behaviour (too vague)
- 3Missing details about the child involved
- 4Failing to reference Section 257D specifically
- 5Submitting without a signature/date
Plain English
Essentially, this lets you tell the Courts Service that you are asking a judge to make rules about how someone must act concerning a child. It formalises your request for a Behaviour Order under Irish law.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no universal deadline mentioned in the title alone. Submit it as soon as the need for the Behaviour Order becomes urgent or arises.
- 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 when you want the Court to legally order specific behaviour regarding a child.
- Use it specifically when the required order falls under Section 257D of the Children Act 2001.
- This is for initiating the application, not for responding to one or enforcing an existing order.
- It signals to the Court that you are asking them to impose a Behaviour Order.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Applying for a standard Parenting Order
If the behaviour needed is less specific than Section 257D allows
✓ Check if your request fits the scope of Sec 257D.
Responding to an existing Behaviour Order application
You are reacting to someone else's request, not starting it
✓ Confirm you are replying and not initiating.
Likely a response form or affidavit attached to 96C.4
Applying for Interim Care Orders
If the issue is immediate custody/care rather than just behaviour
✓ Check if a temporary order is needed before the main Behaviour Order.
Not confirmed in official source (but related)
Filing an Affidavit supporting the application
The affidavit provides evidence backing up your request on this form
✓ Ensure you have a sworn statement ready.
Deadline or filing window
There is no universal deadline mentioned in the title alone. Submit it as soon as the need for the Behaviour Order becomes urgent or arises.
Before you submit
- 1Fill in all sections completely; do not leave blanks unless explicitly permitted.
- 2Clearly state who the application is *for* (the child) and *by whom* (the applicant).
- 3Detail the exact behaviour you are seeking the Court to enforce.
- 4Ensure your contact details (address, phone, email) are accurate for court service.
- 5If applicable, attach a supporting Affidavit or evidence document.
- 6Sign and date the form where indicated.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 96C.4 clearly and legibly.
- 2Attach any necessary supporting documents (e.g., witness statements, medical reports).
- 3Determine if you need to file it in person at the relevant District or Circuit Court office.
- 4Alternatively, submit it electronically via the Courts Service online portal.
- 5Pay any required filing fee and note the receipt number.
Known limitations
- 1This form only *applies* for the order; it does not guarantee the Court will grant it.
- 2The specific requirements of Section 257D must be met for this form to be appropriate.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: The required supporting evidence varies based on the specific circumstances of the child.
- 4It is a notice, meaning you may still need to file further documentation later.
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 (96C.4) remains the standard notice for applying for a Behaviour Order under Section 257D of the Children Act 2001. Check the Courts Service website for any recent amendments to the layout or required enclosures.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify that the Form Number (96C.4) and Name match exactly.
- Confirm the reference to 'Children Act 2001, Section 257D' is present.
- Check if there are new boxes or fields related to specific types of behaviour orders added recently.
- Ensure the Courts Service logo and official contact details are current.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 96C.4
- SRCGoverning Legislation: Children Act 2001
- SRCSpecific Section Cited: Section 257D
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: The exact jurisdiction/type of court required for filing.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current associated fee structure.
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with an Order of Protection (which might be broader).
Not clearly stating *why* the behaviour needs to change (the justification).
Failing to specify which child the Behaviour Order relates to.
Assuming that filling out the form automatically means the application is accepted; it must still be heard.
Source transparency
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