Application in relation to Arrangements for Children

What this form is for

• • You need the court to formally approve a care arrangement for your child.
• • The existing arrangements between parents or guardians need official recognition by the Irish courts.
• • You are applying for an order regarding custody, guardianship, contact, or living arrangements.
• • This form is used when informal agreements aren't enough; you need legal backing.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no single universal deadline; submit this as soon as the need for a court decision arises. Delays can stall arrangements indefinitely.

Before you submit

• • Fill in all mandatory fields clearly (no blanks if possible).
• • Attach copies of any relevant existing court orders or birth certificates.
• • Sign and date the form where indicated by the Courts Service.
• • Ensure names and dates match official identification documents.
• • If applying through a solicitor, confirm their details are correctly placed.
• • Double-check that you have selected the correct type of arrangement being applied for.

How to file this form

1. 1Complete all sections of the Application in relation to Arrangements for Children.
2. 2Gather supporting documentation (e.g., correspondence, evidence).
3. 3Sign and date the form according to instructions.
4. 4Determine if you need to pay a court fee beforehand.
5. 5Submit the completed pack to the relevant District or Circuit Court office.
6. 6Keep a copy of the signed application for your own records.

Known limitations

• • This form itself does not decide the outcome; it starts the process with the court.
• • The specific jurisdiction (which local court handles it) is not confirmed in official source.
• • It does not guarantee that the court will grant your exact request, only that it will review it.
• • Not confirmed in official source: Whether an electronic submission via the Courts Service portal is mandatory or optional.