Official form guide
Form 84.44 – Notice Of Application For An Order Regarding Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991 Section 37(2)
This form is used to notify the court of an application for an order regarding access to a child under Section 37(2) of the Child Care Act, 1991. It should be used when you need to make a formal request to the court for access arrangements with a child where there may be disagreement or legal proceedings involved.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 84.44 – Notice Of Application For An Order Regarding Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991 Section 37(2)
This form is used to notify the court of an application for an order regarding access to a child under Section 37(2) of the Child Care Act, 1991. It should be used when you need to make a formal request to the court for access arrangements with a child where there may be disagreement or legal proceedings involved.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to include all required information about the child's current living arrangements is the most common mistake that delays processing.
- 2Incomplete form information may delay processing
- 3Incorrect details about the child or applicant
- 4Missing supporting documentation
- 5Failure to notify all relevant parties
Plain English
This form tells the court that you want to apply for access to a child. It's part of the legal process when parents or guardians can't agree on who the child should live with or see. The form starts the court's involvement in deciding what's best for the child's access arrangements.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no specific deadline for submitting this form, but applications should be made as soon as access issues arise that cannot be resolved through agreement. Court processing times can vary, so early submission is advisable to avoid delays in establishing access arrangements.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- Use this form when seeking a court order for access to a child under Section 37(2) of the Child Care Act
- Use when formal legal proceedings regarding child access are necessary
- Use when agreement between parents/guardians cannot be reached
- Use when you need court intervention to establish access arrangements
- Use when other dispute resolution methods have been unsuccessful
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Divorce proceedings involving access
Matters are heard together in divorce proceedings
✓ Check if divorce proceedings are already underway
Form 37A (Notice of Application for Ancillary Relief)
Guardianship disputes
Focuses on legal rights and responsibilities rather than just access
✓ Verify if guardianship is the primary issue
Form 83 (Application for Guardianship)
Emergency access applications
For urgent situations requiring immediate court intervention
✓ Assess if the situation requires immediate attention
Form 84.45 (Notice of Emergency Application)
Access modification requests
For changing existing access arrangements
✓ Confirm if you're seeking to modify an existing order
Form 84.44 (Notice of Application for Variation)
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific deadline for submitting this form, but applications should be made as soon as access issues arise that cannot be resolved through agreement. Court processing times can vary, so early submission is advisable to avoid delays in establishing access arrangements.
Before you submit
- 1Verify all personal details are correct and up-to-date
- 2Ensure child's information is accurate and complete
- 3Double-check that all required sections are completed
- 4Confirm you have included all necessary supporting documents
- 5Check that the form is properly signed and dated
- 6Verify you're submitting to the correct court office
- 7Ensure you have kept a copy for your records
- 8Confirm payment of any required fees
- 9Check if all relevant parties need to be notified
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct version of Form 84.44 from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about yourself, the child, and current arrangements
- 3Prepare any required supporting documentation such as birth certificates or previous court orders
- 4Submit the completed form to the relevant Family Court or District Court office
- 5Pay any required filing fees, if applicable
- 6Ensure all relevant parties receive proper notification of the application
- 7Keep a copy of the submitted form and any receipt for your records
Known limitations
- 1This form does not guarantee a specific outcome in your access application
- 2The court will always prioritize the best interests of the child above all else
- 3Legal representation may be necessary for complex cases
- 4The form does not replace the need for mediation in appropriate cases
- 5Processing times can vary significantly depending on court workload
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->This form is current as of the latest version issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. Always check the Courts Service website for the most recent version before submission, as family law procedures can be updated periodically.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Form layout may have been updated for clarity
- Contact information for court offices may have changed
- Required supporting documentation list may have been revised
- Electronic submission options may have been expanded
- Court fee structure may have been updated
- Guidance notes accompanying the form may have been amended
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCRelated to Section 37(2) of the Child Care Act, 1991
- SRCUsed for applications regarding access to children
- SRCSubmitted to Family Court or District Court
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact submission methods
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: current processing times
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific fee amounts
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: required supporting documentation
Common confusion points
Confusion about which court office to submit the form to
Uncertainty about whether to include specific details about past disagreements
Misunderstanding about what constitutes 'access' under the Child Care Act
Confusion about whether legal representation is required
Uncertainty about how to notify the other party involved
Confusion about required supporting documentation
Misunderstanding about court fees and exemptions
Uncertainty about how long the process typically takes
Source transparency
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