Official form guide
Form 84.48 – Notice Of Application For An Order Authorising Refusal To Allow Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991
Form 84.48 is a legal notice used when someone needs to apply for a court order to refuse access to a child under the Child Care Act, 1991. This form should be used when there are concerns about a child's safety or welfare that justify denying access to another person, such as a parent or guardian.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 84.48 – Notice Of Application For An Order Authorising Refusal To Allow Access To A Child - Child Care Act, 1991
Form 84.48 is a legal notice used when someone needs to apply for a court order to refuse access to a child under the Child Care Act, 1991. This form should be used when there are concerns about a child's safety or welfare that justify denying access to another person, such as a parent or guardian.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is failing to provide sufficient evidence demonstrating why access would be harmful to the child.
- 2Insufficient evidence to support refusal of access
- 3Misrepresentation of facts leading to legal consequences
- 4Delay in filing allowing access to occur
- 5Incorrect completion resulting in rejection
Plain English
This form helps you ask a court for permission to say "no" to someone having contact with a child. You might need this if you believe allowing access could put the child at risk or harm their wellbeing. The court will carefully consider your reasons before making a decision.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There are no strict deadlines for submitting this form, but applications should be made as soon as concerns arise about a child's wellbeing during access. The court will set a hearing date after receiving the application.
- 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 you need court permission to refuse access to protect a child's welfare
- This is specifically for situations where access would be contrary to the child's best interests
- Use this form instead of informal agreements when legal protection is needed
- This form applies to access by parents, relatives, or other persons with a relationship to the child
- Consider legal advice before proceeding, as this involves significant legal consequences
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Situation where child is at immediate risk
For immediate protection when delay could cause harm
✓ Check if risk is urgent enough for emergency procedures
Applying for access arrangements
For establishing positive access arrangements rather than refusal
✓ Consider if your goal is to structure access rather than deny it
Seeking guardianship of a child
For legal recognition of parental rights and responsibilities
✓ Check if guardianship issues are part of your concern
Form 11 - Application for Guardianship
Concerns about child's safety with current caregiver
When the child's current care arrangement is the issue
✓ Determine if the problem is with access or the current care arrangement
Form 6A - Care Proceedings Application
Deadline or filing window
There are no strict deadlines for submitting this form, but applications should be made as soon as concerns arise about a child's wellbeing during access. The court will set a hearing date after receiving the application.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all sections of the form with accurate information
- 2Include child's full name, date of birth, and current address
- 3Provide full details of the person seeking access
- 4Document specific reasons for refusing access with dates and examples
- 5Gather supporting evidence such as medical reports or incident records
- 6Sign and date the form in the presence of a witness if required
- 7Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records
- 8Check court fees and payment methods required
- 9Verify the correct court office for submission
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the current version of Form 84.48 from the Courts Service or court office
- 2Complete all sections with clear, factual information about the child and access concerns
- 3Gather supporting evidence demonstrating why access would be harmful to the child
- 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate District Court or Family Court office
- 5Pay any required court fees
- 6Attend the scheduled court hearing prepared to present your case
- 7Await the court's decision and follow any resulting orders
Known limitations
- 1This form does not guarantee the court will grant your request
- 2The court must consider the child's best interests above all other factors
- 3The other party has the right to respond to your application
- 4Legal representation may be necessary for complex cases
- 5The court may impose conditions rather than completely refuse access
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->Form 84.48 is current under the Child Care Act, 1991, though court procedures may vary slightly by district. Always check with your local court office for any local requirements or recent updates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify current version number matches court requirements
- Check for any recent amendments to the Child Care Act, 1991 affecting access applications
- Confirm if electronic submission options are now available
- Ensure all references to legislation are up-to-date
- Check if new guidance notes have been added to the form
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCBased on Child Care Act, 1991
- SRCSpecific to applications for refusal of access orders
- SRCRequires court approval to be effective
- SRCNot confirmed in official source if electronic submission is available
- SRCNot confirmed in official source regarding current court fees
- SRCNot confirmed in official source about specific documentation requirements
- SRCNot confirmed in official source about processing times
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with applications for access rather than refusal of access
Not understanding that the court must consider the child's best interests
Assuming automatic approval of the application without sufficient evidence
Uncertainty about who qualifies as a person with care of the child
Confusion about whether legal representation is necessary
Misunderstanding the difference between temporary and permanent refusal orders
Not knowing what evidence is sufficient to support the application
Confusion about the role of the Child and Family Agency in these proceedings
Source transparency
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