Official form guide
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.
Need help with Form Form 84.46 – Notice Of Application To Vary / Discharge An Order Regarding Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - 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.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is not providing enough detail about why the current access arrangements are no longer suitable.
- 2Incomplete information about the current access order
- 3Failing to provide sufficient evidence supporting the requested changes
- 4Not notifying all required parties involved in the original order
- 5Missing 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
- Filing 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.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
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
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Initial access arrangements
For new access orders, not changes to existing ones
✓ Check if you're applying for the first time or modifying existing orders
Guardianship applications
For changing legal guardianship, not just access arrangements
✓ Confirm whether you're seeking access changes or guardianship changes
Emergency access changes
For urgent situations requiring immediate court attention
✓ Verify if your situation requires immediate action or can wait for standard processing
Child maintenance
For financial support matters separate from access arrangements
✓ Ensure you're not mixing access and maintenance issues
International child abduction
For cases involving taking a child out of Ireland
✓ Check 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
- 1All sections of the form are completed
- 2Current access order details are accurately provided
- 3Specific changes requested are clearly explained
- 4Supporting documents are attached if required
- 5Court fee payment is included or payment arrangements made
- 6Copies are made for your records
- 7All parties to the original order have been notified
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the current version of Form 84.46 from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the current order and requested changes
- 3Gather any supporting documents that explain why changes are needed
- 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office with the correct fee
- 5Keep copies of everything you submit
- 6Wait for court notification of the next steps, which may include a hearing date
Known limitations
- 1This form cannot be used to make initial access arrangements
- 2The court may not approve all requested changes
- 3This form does not address financial aspects of child arrangements
- 4The court requires evidence that changes are in the child's best interests
- 5Legal representation may be necessary for complex cases
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->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.
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
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by the Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCRelated to the Child Care Act, 1991
- SRCUsed for varying or discharging existing access orders
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: current processing times
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact court fees
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: whether an online submission option is available
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: recent changes to the form requirements
Common confusion points
Confusing access arrangements with guardianship rights
Not understanding that the court prioritizes the child's best interests
Thinking this form can change custody arrangements rather than just access
Unclear about which court has jurisdiction for the case
Not knowing whether to include the other parent's address on the form
Confusing standard access with supervised access requirements
Not realizing that both parents may need to file separate forms if they disagree
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.