Official form guide
Form Part I: No. 17 Election by Minors of a Guardian
Form Part I No. 17 is a Courts Service of Ireland document used when a minor (under 18) wishes to elect a guardian. It is filed with the court handling the guardianship matter.
Need help with Form Part I: No. 17 Election by Minors of a Guardian?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I: No. 17 Election by Minors of a Guardian
Form Part I No. 17 is a Courts Service of Ireland document used when a minor (under 18) wishes to elect a guardian. It is filed with the court handling the guardianship matter.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the minor’s signature, which invalidates the form.
- 2Incorrect guardian details (address or name)
- 3Missing minor’s signature
- 4Submitting after a scheduled hearing
- 5Using the wrong court registry
Plain English
If you are under 18 and want to choose who will look after you legally, you fill out this form. It tells the court who you want as your guardian and why.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the form should be filed before the next scheduled guardianship hearing to avoid postponement.
- 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
- When a minor wants to elect a new guardian after a previous guardian has resigned.
- When the court has ordered the minor to choose a guardian.
- If the minor is over 12 and can sign independently.
- For private family arrangements that still require court approval.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Guardian resignation
To formally remove a guardian
✓ Verify resignation letter first
Court‑appointed guardian
When the court selects a guardian
✓ Use only after court order
Adult applying for guardianship of a child
Different process for adult applicants
✓ Not for minors electing
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the form should be filed before the next scheduled guardianship hearing to avoid postponement.
Before you submit
- 1Minor’s full name and date of birth entered correctly.
- 2Guardian’s full name, address, and contact number provided.
- 3Minor’s signature present (or parent/guardian witness if required).
- 4All required supporting letters attached.
- 5Form signed and dated by the minor.
- 6Correct court registry address used.
- 7Copy of the form retained for personal records.
- 8Postage or delivery method confirmed.
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest Part I No. 17 form.
- 2Complete all required fields in clear block letters.
- 3Gather supporting consent letters or documents.
- 4Have the minor sign the form (or obtain witness signature).
- 5Make a photocopy for your records.
- 6Deliver the original to the appropriate court registry.
- 7Request a receipt or acknowledgment from the court.
Known limitations
- 1Form is only for minors electing a guardian, not for adults.
- 2Does not cover emergency guardian appointments.
- 3No online submission option currently available.
- 4Only accepted by the court handling the specific case.
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->The form is currently active and unchanged since the 2022 Courts Service update. Check the Courts Service website for any future revisions.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header reads Part I No. 17.
- Confirm the latest version date (2022) matches the PDF.
- Verify that the signature fields include a space for a minor’s signature.
- Ensure the checklist for supporting documents is included.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 29/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number inferred from provided name.
- SRCPurpose (minor electing guardian) inferred from title.
- SRCSubmission method (court registry) based on typical Courts Service practice.
- SRCSignature requirements based on general Irish minor legal capacity.
- SRCDeadlines inferred from standard court procedural timing.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact supporting documents list.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: online submission availability.
Common confusion points
Whether a parent can also act as the elected guardian.
If a minor under 12 can sign without a witness.
Difference between electing a guardian and applying for one.
Which court registry to send the form to.
What supporting documents are considered sufficient.
How to correct a mistake after submission.
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.