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Form 84.46 – Notice Of Application To Vary / Discharge An Order Regarding Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991

This form is used to apply to change or end an existing court order about access to a child under the Child Care Act, 1991. You would use it when circumstances have changed and you need to modify or cancel previous access arrangements.

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Form Overview

Form 84.46 – Notice Of Application To Vary / Discharge An Order Regarding Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991

This form is used to apply to change or end an existing court order about access to a child under the Child Care Act, 1991. You would use it when circumstances have changed and you need to modify or cancel previous access arrangements.

The form captures information about why you're seeking to change the access order, what changes you're proposing, and details about the child and other parties involved in the existing order.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is not providing enough detail about why the current access arrangements are no longer suitable.
  • Incomplete information about the current access order
  • Failing to provide sufficient evidence supporting the requested changes
  • Not notifying all required parties involved in the original order
  • Missing the court filing fee

Plain English

This form lets you ask the court to change or end a decision about who sees your child. It's for situations where the current access arrangements no longer work for everyone involved. Think of it as officially telling the court that something needs to be updated regarding your child's contact with other people.

Submission Date

  • There is no strict deadline for submitting this form, but applications should be made as soon as possible when circumstances change. Court processing times can vary, so allow at least 6-8 weeks for a hearing date to be scheduled.
  • 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

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What this form is for

  • Use this form when you want to change the terms of an existing access order
  • Use this form when you want to completely end an existing access order
  • Use this form when circumstances have changed significantly since the original order was made
  • Use this form if the current access order is causing harm or distress to the child
  • Don't use this form for initial access arrangements - use Form 84.45 instead

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Initial access arrangementsForm 84.45For new access orders, not changes to existing onesCheck if you're applying for the first time or modifying existing orders
Guardianship applicationsForm 12GFor changing legal guardianship, not just access arrangementsConfirm whether you're seeking access changes or guardianship changes
Emergency access changesForm 84.47For urgent situations requiring immediate court attentionVerify if your situation requires immediate action or can wait for standard processing
Child maintenanceForm 12For financial support matters separate from access arrangementsEnsure you're not mixing access and maintenance issues
International child abductionForm 84.48For cases involving taking a child out of IrelandCheck if your case involves international elements

Deadline or filing window

There is no strict deadline for submitting this form, but applications should be made as soon as possible when circumstances change. Court processing times can vary, so allow at least 6-8 weeks for a hearing date to be scheduled.

Before you submit

  • All sections of the form are completed
  • Current access order details are accurately provided
  • Specific changes requested are clearly explained
  • Supporting documents are attached if required
  • Court fee payment is included or payment arrangements made
  • Copies are made for your records
  • All parties to the original order have been notified

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the current version of Form 84.46 from the Courts Service website or court office
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the current order and requested changes
  3. 3Gather any supporting documents that explain why changes are needed
  4. 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office with the correct fee
  5. 5Keep copies of everything you submit
  6. 6Wait for court notification of the next steps, which may include a hearing date

Known limitations

  • This form cannot be used to make initial access arrangements
  • The court may not approve all requested changes
  • This form does not address financial aspects of child arrangements
  • The court requires evidence that changes are in the child's best interests
  • Legal representation may be necessary for complex cases

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Current Form Status

Form 84.46 is the current version for applications to vary or discharge access orders under the Child Care Act, 1991. Recent changes to family law may affect how this form should be completed.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Verify you're using the most recent version of Form 84.46
  • Check if recent changes to the Child Care Act affect your application
  • Confirm the court fees haven't changed since the last update
  • Ensure any contact details for the Courts Service are current
  • Check if new supporting documents are required for your application

Quick Facts

Either parent or guardian with an existing access order can file this form if they want to change or end that order. The person filing must be directly affected by the current access arrangements.
The form captures information about why you're seeking to change the access order, what changes you're proposing, and details about the child and other parties involved in the existing order.
Submit this form when there has been a significant change in circumstances affecting the current access arrangements, or when the current order is no longer workable. There is no strict deadline, but delays may affect court scheduling.
File this form with the relevant Circuit Court or District Court office handling family law matters in your area. It can typically be submitted in person, by post, or potentially through the Courts Service's online portal if available.
Submitting correctly helps ensure your application is processed efficiently and reduces the risk of delays or rejection. Errors may require resubmission, which could postpone any changes to the access arrangements.
Fill in all sections completely, providing specific details about the current order and the changes you're seeking. Attach any relevant supporting documents. Make sure to include the court file number if you have it. Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office with the correct fee if applicable.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
18/10/25

Form 84.46 – Notice Of Application To Vary / Discharge An Order Regarding Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991

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After you file

  • Keep records of all communication with the court
  • Prepare for a potential court hearing by gathering evidence
  • Consider mediation services before the court hearing
  • Attend any scheduled court proceedings
  • Await the court's decision and obtain a copy of the order
  • Inform all relevant parties of the court's decision

Source and verification log

  • Form issued by the Courts Service of Ireland
  • Related to the Child Care Act, 1991
  • Used for varying or discharging existing access orders
  • Not confirmed in official source: current processing times
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact court fees
  • Not confirmed in official source: whether an online submission option is available
  • Not confirmed in official source: recent changes to the form requirements

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Confusing access arrangements with guardianship rights

  • 2

    Not understanding that the court prioritizes the child's best interests

  • 3

    Thinking this form can change custody arrangements rather than just access

  • 4

    Unclear about which court has jurisdiction for the case

  • 5

    Not knowing whether to include the other parent's address on the form

  • 6

    Confusing standard access with supervised access requirements

  • 7

    Not realizing that both parents may need to file separate forms if they disagree

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