Form 37I - Direction For The Taking Of DNA Sample - In The Matter Of Part Vii Of The Status Of Children Act, 1987
Form 37I is a court direction for the taking of a DNA sample to establish parentage under Part VII of the Status of Children Act 1987. It is used when the court needs to determine the biological parentage of a child for legal purposes.
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Form 37I - Direction For The Taking Of DNA Sample - In The Matter Of Part Vii Of The Status Of Children Act, 1987
Form 37I is a court direction for the taking of a DNA sample to establish parentage under Part VII of the Status of Children Act 1987. It is used when the court needs to determine the biological parentage of a child for legal purposes.
Risk Radar
- Ensure the person named in the form is the correct individual and that the testing facility is accredited for legal DNA testing purposes.
- Incomplete form details could lead to testing delays
- Wrong person being directed to provide the sample
- Testing facility not being accredited for legal purposes
- Sample contamination affecting test results
Plain English
This form is a court order that tells someone to give a DNA sample for testing. The court uses this test to confirm who a child's biological parents are, which can affect things like child support, inheritance rights, and legal guardianship.
Submission Date
- The direction typically specifies a timeframe (usually 21 days) within which the DNA sample must be provided, and failure to comply could result in court penalties.
- 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 form when the court needs to order DNA testing to establish parentage
- • Use when a person refuses to voluntarily provide a DNA sample
- • Use when there's a dispute about a child's biological parentage
- • Use when a court has determined that DNA evidence is necessary
- • Do not use for voluntary consent to DNA testing (different form)
- • Do not use for non-court ordered DNA testing arrangements
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voluntary DNA agreement | Form for consent to testing | Avoids court process but may not be legally binding | Check if both parties agree to voluntary testing |
| Application for guardianship | Form 11 | Different legal process with different requirements | Ensure you're applying for the correct legal remedy |
| Application for access rights | Form 12 | Focuses on contact arrangements rather than parentage | Consider if parentage is already established |
| Application for maintenance | Form 4 | Concerns financial support rather than establishing parentage | Verify if parentage needs to be established first |
Deadline or filing window
The direction typically specifies a timeframe (usually 21 days) within which the DNA sample must be provided, and failure to comply could result in court penalties.
Before you submit
- • Verify all personal details are correct
- • Ensure the testing facility is accredited for legal purposes
- • Check that the court has properly signed the form
- • Confirm the direction includes a valid timeframe
- • Verify the case reference number matches court records
- • Ensure the form has been properly served on the person
- • Check that the form includes all required court stamps
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the completed form from the court official handling the case
- 2Verify all details are correct before serving on the person
- 3Present the form to the person ordered to provide the sample
- 4Provide information about the accredited testing facility
- 5Ensure the person attends the facility within the specified timeframe
- 6Confirm the sample is properly collected and labeled
- 7Return confirmation of sample collection to the court
Known limitations
- • The form only directs the taking of a sample, not the testing process
- • The form does not determine the outcome of the parentage case
- • The direction may not be enforceable if the testing facility is not accredited
- • The form does not address situations where a person refuses to comply
- • The form does not provide guidance on interpreting DNA test results
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This form is the current version used by the Courts Service of Ireland for directing DNA samples in parentage cases under Part VII of the Status of Children Act 1987.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
What changed or needs a fresh check
- • Check that the form references the correct legislation (Status of Children Act 1987)
- • Verify the court stamp and signature are current
- • Ensure all contact information for testing facilities is up to date
- • Confirm the form includes the correct case reference number
- • Check that the direction includes a timeframe for sample provision
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- Family Law Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 19/02/26
Downloads
Form 37I - Direction For The Taking Of DNA Sample - In The Matter Of Part Vii Of The Status Of Children Act, 1987
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After you file
- • Keep a copy of the served form for your records
- • Monitor that the sample is provided within the specified timeframe
- • Follow up with the court if the sample is not provided as directed
- • Await the DNA test results and any further court directions
- • Prepare for the next steps in the parentage determination process
- • Contact the court if there are issues with the testing process
Source and verification log
- • Form issued by Courts Service of Ireland
- • Related to Part VII of the Status of Children Act 1987
- • Used for directing DNA samples in parentage cases
- • Not confirmed in official source: specific accredited testing facilities
- • Not confirmed in official source: exact timeframe for sample provision
- • Not confirmed in official source: cost implications for DNA testing
- • Not confirmed in official source: appeal process for challenging the direction
Common confusion points
8 things to watch for
- 1
Confusing this form with voluntary DNA consent forms
- 2
Not understanding that this is a court order, not a request
- 3
Uncertainty about which accredited testing facilities to use
- 4
Misunderstanding the timeframe for providing the sample
- 5
Not realizing the person can challenge the direction in court
- 6
Confusing this form with forms for other legal proceedings
- 7
Uncertainty about who is responsible for the cost of testing
- 8
Not understanding the legal consequences of refusing to comply
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