Official form guide
Form 37I - Direction For The Taking Of DNA Sample - In The Matter Of Part Vii Of The Status Of Children Act, 1987
This form directs the taking of a DNA sample within a legal case. It relates specifically to Part VII of the Status of Children Act, 1987. You use it when a court needs evidence via DNA testing in family matters.
Need help with Form Form 37I - Direction For The Taking Of DNA Sample - In The Matter Of Part Vii Of The Status Of Children Act, 1987?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 37I - Direction For The Taking Of DNA Sample - In The Matter Of Part Vii Of The Status Of Children Act, 1987
This form directs the taking of a DNA sample within a legal case. It relates specifically to Part VII of the Status of Children Act, 1987. You use it when a court needs evidence via DNA testing in family matters.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure you cite the correct Part VII of the Status of Children Act, 1987.
- 2Omitting the Case Reference Number
- 3Incorrectly identifying the person whose sample must be taken
- 4Failing to specify *why* the DNA is needed (the legal basis)
- 5Using an outdated version of Form 37I
Plain English
Simply put, this document tells someone (like a doctor or forensic expert) that they must collect a DNA sample for a specific case. This is often needed when establishing parentage or relationships under Irish law. It links directly to the rules found in Part VII of the Status of Children Act, 1987.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no single universal deadline; submission timing depends on the court's direction. Submit it as soon as DNA evidence becomes relevant to your case.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- Use this when a court requires a DNA sample to be taken in a case.
- It applies specifically if the matter falls under Part VII of the Status of Children Act, 1987.
- This is for directing the *taking* of the sample, not necessarily the analysis itself (though it initiates that process).
- Use this when establishing parentage or relationships within a family dispute.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Direction needed in general civil matter
If Part VII isn't strictly applicable, use the broader direction form.
✓ Check if your case fits Part VII criteria first.
DNA sample already taken/analysis pending
A different directive might be needed to instruct analysis or record results.
✓ See what other forms are referenced by the court.
Requesting DNA testing pre-court order
If you are asking the court *to grant* a direction, rather than directing it directly.
✓ Confirm if the request precedes the official directive.
Deadline or filing window
There is no single universal deadline; submission timing depends on the court's direction. Submit it as soon as DNA evidence becomes relevant to your case.
Before you submit
- 1All required parties (e.g., parents, children) must be named on the form.
- 2The court reference number for your case must be clearly entered.
- 3The specific reason *why* DNA is needed must be stated in plain language.
- 4Signatures of the requesting party or solicitor/barrister are required.
- 5If applicable, ensure consent from all relevant parties is noted on the form.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 37I thoroughly.
- 2Have the necessary supporting documents ready (e.g., court order excerpts).
- 3Sign and date the document where indicated.
- 4Submit the completed form to the relevant Court office or through the electronic filing portal.
- 5Keep a copy for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only directs the *taking* of the sample; it does not guarantee the DNA analysis will be performed immediately.
- 2The court must agree with this direction for it to become legally binding.
- 3Not confirmed in official source: It does not specify which laboratory will take the sample unless noted elsewhere.
- 4It is tied specifically to Part VII matters, so use outside of that scope risks rejection.
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 standard direction form for DNA sampling under the Status of Children Act, 1987. It remains active for use within Irish family law proceedings.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date of issue on the top right corner.
- Verify that Part VII of the Status of Children Act, 1987 is correctly cited.
- Confirm if there are any specific amendments listed regarding consent requirements.
- Ensure the Courts Service of Ireland logo/identifier is present and matches current standards.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/02/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: Form 37I
- SRCGoverning Legislation: Status of Children Act, 1987
- SRCSpecific Application: Part VII of the Act
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Date of last major revision.
Common confusion points
Mistaking this form for a request *for* testing (use another form if you are only asking).
Forgetting to specify which party needs the DNA taken from whom.
Not referencing the correct section of Part VII that justifies the need.
Assuming filing it automatically means the sample will be collected tomorrow.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.