IECOURTSFamily Law Forms

Official form guide

Form 37O - Certificate - Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000, section 6

This is Form 37O from the Courts Service of Ireland. It serves as a formal certificate related to the Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000, specifically referencing Section 6. You use this when dealing with international child protection matters under the Hague Convention.

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Form Overview

Courts Service of Ireland - Form 37O - Certificate - Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000, section 6

This is Form 37O from the Courts Service of Ireland. It serves as a formal certificate related to the Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000, specifically referencing Section 6. You use this when dealing with international child protection matters under the Hague Convention.

The form captures specific details about the application or status of a child under international protection rules. It certifies compliance or confirms a particular finding related to Section 6 of the Act.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Do not forget the specific reference to Section 6 when filling out the certificate details.
  • 2Missing the required signature of the issuing official.
  • 3Incorrectly citing the Hague Convention Act 2000 section.
  • 4Failing to provide the child's full details as per CRO standards.
  • 5Submitting a duplicate form without confirming it is superseded.

Plain English

Think of this form as an official stamp or declaration from the Irish courts regarding a child's welfare case involving another country. It confirms something specific about how children are being protected under Irish law, based on the Hague Convention rules. If you are involved in custody or care issues crossing borders, this is likely what you need.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: There is no single universal deadline listed here; submission timing depends entirely on the case timeline. Always check with your assigned Irish court officer for specific deadlines.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when an international child protection issue requires formal documentation under the Hague Convention.
  • It is specifically required when dealing with matters covered by Section 6 of the Act.
  • This certificate acts as proof for actions taken or decisions made regarding a child's protection across borders.
  • Do not use this if your case falls clearly under another specific section of the Hague Convention Act 2000.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

General Child Protection Matter

If Section 6 isn't specifically cited or relevant

✓ Check the required section number on your case file.

Form 37A (or similar)

Child Abduction/Return Case

When applying for the return of a child under the Convention

✓ Confirm if the request is strictly about 'protection' vs. 'return'.

Form related to Return Order

Domestic Child Protection

If the matter stays entirely within Ireland

✓ Ensure the form specifies it relates to the Hague Act 2000.

Local Court Certificate

Not confirmed in official source

When unsure of the exact alternative

✓ Cross-reference with your solicitor or case manager.

Not confirmed in official source

Deadline or filing window

There is no single universal deadline listed here; submission timing depends entirely on the case timeline. Always check with your assigned Irish court officer for specific deadlines.

Before you submit

  1. 1All sections must be fully completed; leave no boxes blank unless explicitly allowed.
  2. 2The date of the certificate issuance must match the court hearing/decision date.
  3. 3Verify all names (child, parents, parties) are spelled exactly as they appear on official documents.
  4. 4Ensure you have attached supporting documentation referenced in the form (e.g., initial application).
  5. 5Sign and date the form where indicated by the Courts Service.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all required fields of Form 37O accurately.
  2. 2Obtain the necessary signatures from the relevant parties or court officials.
  3. 3Attach supporting evidence proving the need for this certificate (e.g., custody orders, police reports).
  4. 4File the form with the appropriate Irish Court designated to handle Hague Convention cases.
  5. 5Keep a dated copy of the fully executed Form 37O for your own records.

Known limitations

  1. 1This form only certifies compliance or status under Section 6; it does not dictate the final outcome.
  2. 2The validity period is not confirmed in official source, but typically relates to the date stamped on the certificate.
  3. 3It is specific to the Hague Convention Act 2000 and cannot be used for general family law matters outside this scope.
  4. 4Not confirmed in official source: There may be variations depending on which specific Irish court issued it.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Proceedings

3 items

Title of Proceedings

The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.

Requiredtext
Record Number

The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.

Requiredtext
Court and Office

The court and the office where the document is being filed.

Requiredtext

Substance

2 items

Relief or Information Sought

What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.

Requiredtext
Grounds and Exhibits

The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.

text

Execution

1 items

Signature, Jurat or Service Details

Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
COURTS

This is the current Form 37O issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It remains the standard certificate used for matters under Section 6 of the Hague Convention Act 2000.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the date stamp on the top right corner for the latest revision.
  • Verify if any specific court/jurisdiction requirements have been added to the form fields.
  • Confirm that the title explicitly mentions 'Hague Convention Act 2000, section 6'.
  • Ensure there are no new mandatory signature blocks compared to previous versions.

Quick Facts

Anyone involved in a child protection matter governed by the Hague Convention Act 2000 needs to use it. This includes parents, guardians, social workers, and legal representatives.
The form captures specific details about the application or status of a child under international protection rules. It certifies compliance or confirms a particular finding related to Section 6 of the Act.
Submit this when a formal declaration regarding Hague Convention protection is required by the case, often upon request by another jurisdiction.
Submission usually goes through the relevant Irish court office handling the file. It may also be submitted via the Courts Service online portal if that system is designated for Form 37O.
Submitting it incorrectly can halt proceedings or cause delays in international custody decisions. Errors might mean the Court cannot properly recognize the protection status being claimed.
First, ensure you have all case details ready (like the child's name and country of origin). Next, fill out every section clearly using black ink. Finally, sign and date the form as required before sending it to the relevant court.

Form Details

Revision date
19/02/26

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Sources

  • SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
  • SRCForm Number: Form 37O
  • SRCGoverning Legislation: Protection of Children (Hague Convention) Act 2000
  • SRCSpecific Reference: Section 6
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: The exact issuing court jurisdiction is not specified on the form name alone.

Common confusion points

Confusing Section 6 with other sections; always double-check the specific clause cited.

Believing this form is sufficient when another supporting document (like an application) is also required.

Not realizing that the certificate must be issued by a competent Irish court.

Using it for matters where the child's nationality or residence does not fit Hague Convention parameters.

Failing to correctly identify which party needs to *receive* this specific Form 37O.

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