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Form 84.20 – Directions Under Section 18 (6) Of The Act (Pending Determination Of Application For Care Order) - Child Care Act, 1991

This is a court form used in child care proceedings under the Child Care Act 1991. It's used to issue directions while an application for a care order is being considered by the court.

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Form Overview

Courts Service of Ireland - Form 84.20 – Directions Under Section 18 (6) Of The Act (Pending Determination Of Application For Care Order) - Child Care Act, 1991

This is a court form used in child care proceedings under the Child Care Act 1991. It's used to issue directions while an application for a care order is being considered by the court.

The form captures specific directions or instructions from the court regarding the care and welfare of a child during the period when a care order application is being considered.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1Ensure all parties involved in the child's care are properly notified of the directions.
  • 2Incomplete information
  • 3Missing signatures
  • 4Incorrect case details
  • 5Insufficient supporting evidence

Plain English

This form helps the court give instructions about what should happen to a child while waiting to decide if a care order is needed. It's part of the legal process when social services or other authorities are concerned about a child's welfare.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: Directions should be sought as soon as they're needed once a care order application is filed, typically before any interim hearing dates.
  • 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

  • When temporary court directions are needed while a care order application is pending
  • For immediate arrangements concerning a child's care and welfare
  • When the court needs to specify who has responsibility for the child temporarily
  • For setting out specific care instructions during the legal proceedings

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Emergency protection needed

Different legal standard and timeframe

✓ Check urgency level before proceeding

Form for emergency protection order

Permanent care order sought

Different legal process and requirements

✓ Confirm which application is appropriate

Form for care order application

Access arrangements required

Focuses specifically on contact rather than overall care

✓ Determine primary purpose of application

Form for access directions

Deadline or filing window

Directions should be sought as soon as they're needed once a care order application is filed, typically before any interim hearing dates.

Before you submit

  1. 1All sections of the form completed
  2. 2Correct case reference number included
  3. 3All relevant parties identified
  4. 4Proposed directions clearly specified
  5. 5Supporting evidence attached
  6. 6Court payment included
  7. 7Copy served on all interested parties
  8. 8Form signed by authorized representative

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the correct Form 84.20 from the Courts Service
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information
  3. 3Prepare supporting documentation
  4. 4Submit to the relevant court office
  5. 5Pay any required fees
  6. 6Serve copies on all interested parties
  7. 7Keep a copy for your records

Known limitations

  1. 1This form only provides temporary directions, not final orders
  2. 2It doesn't replace the need for a full care order application
  3. 3The court may not grant all requested directions
  4. 4Directions are subject to change during proceedings
  5. 5This form doesn't address emergency situations requiring immediate intervention

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 form is part of the standard child care proceedings process under the Child Care Act 1991 and remains in current use.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Verify you're using the most current version of Form 84.20
  • Check for any recent amendments to the Child Care Act 1991
  • Confirm court fees haven't changed
  • Ensure contact information for court offices is up to date
  • Check if electronic filing options are now available

Quick Facts

This form would typically be completed by legal representatives, social workers, or other professionals involved in the child care proceedings and submitted to the court.
The form captures specific directions or instructions from the court regarding the care and welfare of a child during the period when a care order application is being considered.
This form is submitted when there's an application for a care order that hasn't been decided yet, and the court needs to issue temporary directions about the child's care.
The form should be submitted to the relevant court office handling the child care proceedings, either in person, by post, or potentially through an electronic filing system if available.
Submitting this form correctly ensures the court has all necessary information to make appropriate temporary arrangements for the child's safety and welfare during the pending proceedings.
Complete the form with accurate details about the current situation, the proposed directions, and any supporting evidence. Include all required signatures and submit to the court office with any necessary fees.

Form Details

Revision date
18/10/25

Downloads & source

Fill Form Form 84.20 – Directions Under Section 18 (6) Of The Act (Pending Determination Of Application For Care Order) - Child Care Act, 1991

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Sources

  • SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland
  • SRCRelated to Child Care Act 1991
  • SRCSpecifically references Section 18(6)
  • SRCUsed in care order proceedings
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current filing fees
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: Electronic filing availability
  • SRCNot confirmed in official source: Recent amendments to the form

Common confusion points

Confusing this form with the actual care order application

Not understanding the temporary nature of these directions

Unclear about who should be served with the form

Misunderstanding the legal effect of the directions

Confusion about timing - when to seek directions versus when to seek a full order

Uncertainty about what information is required to support the application

Not understanding the difference between this form and other child care forms

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Source transparency

Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms

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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.

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All Rights ReservedAll rights reserved by the copyright holder. Not licensed for open use. May only be used with explicit permission or under fair dealing/fair use.
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