Form 37D - Statutory Declaration Pursuant to Section 5 or Section 6 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 or Section 6 or Section 7 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996
This form is a Statutory Declaration filed with the Courts Service of Ireland. It relates specifically to proceedings under either the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 or the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996. Use this when making specific declarations required by those Acts.
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Form 37D - Statutory Declaration Pursuant to Section 5 or Section 6 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 or Section 6 or Section 7 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996
This form is a Statutory Declaration filed with the Courts Service of Ireland. It relates specifically to proceedings under either the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 or the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996. Use this when making specific declarations required by those Acts.
Risk Radar
- Do not forget the witness signature; an unsworn declaration is often worthless in court.
- Failing to specify which Act (1989 or 1996) applies correctly.
- Incorrectly citing Section 5/6 vs. Section 7 in the declaration body.
- Not having the document properly witnessed by an authorized person.
- Submitting it to the wrong Court Service office.
Plain English
Basically, this is a formal, sworn statement you give to the Irish courts. It confirms certain facts related to either seeking judicial separation or applying for divorce under Irish law. Think of it as your official written testimony to the judge.
Submission Date
- The form must be filed when specifically required by your solicitor or the Court. Always check if there are any strict deadlines tied to a hearing date.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
What this form is for
- • Use this when you need to formally declare facts required under Section 5 or Section 6 of the Judicial Separation Act 1989.
- • Select this form if your case is specifically about a divorce matter requiring declaration under Section 6 or Section 7 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996.
- • Do not use this for general court applications; it must be used when those specific sections of the Acts mandate a Statutory Declaration.
- • This form relates to family law, not property division declarations alone.
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application for Divorce | Form 37B (Likely) | Used if you are initiating the divorce application itself, rather than making a specific declaration within it. | Check section headings on this form. |
| Declaration of Assets/Liabilities | Not confirmed in official source | If your declaration is purely about finances and not tied to the Act sections listed. | See if there is a dedicated financial declaration form. |
| Judicial Separation Application | Form 37A (Likely) | Used when initiating judicial separation, but you are making declarations under Section 5 or 6 of that Act. | Confirm which section your facts relate to. |
| General Court Statement | Not confirmed in official source | If the court requires a general statement not tied to the specific sections of the two Acts mentioned. | Check with your solicitor first. |
Deadline or filing window
The form must be filed when specifically required by your solicitor or the Court. Always check if there are any strict deadlines tied to a hearing date.
Before you submit
- • Ensure all sections requiring a declaration are fully completed and signed.
- • Verify that you have correctly cited which Act (1989 or 1996) and which Section your declaration relates to.
- • Confirm the date on the form matches the date of signing.
- • Check that the full legal name and address of the declarant is present.
- • Ensure there is space reserved for the Commissioner for Oaths/Solicitor's signature.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all required fields using clear, unambiguous language.
- 2Sign the declaration in the presence of an authorized person (e.g., Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths).
- 3Have the authorizing official complete their details and stamp the form.
- 4File the original signed Form 37D with the relevant Circuit/District Court where your case is lodged.
- 5If submitting electronically, ensure you upload a clear scan of the fully executed document.
Known limitations
- • This form does not guarantee the court will accept the declaration; it only confirms its proper completion.
- • The specific requirement for this form depends on which Act (1989 or 1996) governs your proceedings.
- • Not confirmed in official source: It does not specify if a translation is required if you are filing in Irish.
- • It is used *pursuant* to the Acts; it is not the application itself.
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This is a specific declaration form used within family law proceedings managed by the Courts Service of Ireland. It covers declarations related to both Judicial Separation and Divorce matters.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
What changed or needs a fresh check
- • Verify if there have been any amendments to the wording of Section 5 or Section 6 (Judicial Separation Act 1989).
- • Check for updates regarding Sections 6 or 7 within the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996.
- • Confirm the current required format/font size specified by the Courts Service.
- • Ensure the official stamp area requirements match the latest guidance from the Courts Service of Ireland.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- Family Law Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 19/02/26
Downloads
Form 37D - Statutory Declaration Pursuant to Section 5 or Section 6 of the Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989 or Section 6 or Section 7 of the Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996
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After you file
- • Keep a copy of the filed Form 37D for your own records.
- • Note the date and time the form was officially lodged with the Courts Service.
- • Confirm with your legal representative that the declaration has been properly entered into the court file.
- • Track any correspondence referencing this specific form number (Form 37D).
Source and verification log
- • Issued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- • Form Number: Form 37D
- • Relates to: Judicial Separation and Family Law Reform Act 1989
- • Relates to: Family Law (Divorce) Act 1996
- • Not confirmed in official source: Specific required declaration content for Section 5 vs. Section 6.
Common confusion points
4 things to watch for
- 1
Mistaking it for a simple letter to the judge; this must follow the strict statutory format.
- 2
Failing to specify whether the declaration relates to the 1989 Act or the 1996 Act when facts overlap.
- 3
Signing the form before having it witnessed/certified by an authorized official.
- 4
Assuming that completing the document automatically means the court accepts your version of events.
Related Guides & Resources
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Irish COURTS form Affidavit of Attesting Witness (for minors aged 13 and under): Form for Affidavit of Attesting Witness (for minors aged 13 and under).
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