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37.1A Summons To Child Or To Child And Parent Or Guardian - Children Act 2001, Section 64 Courts (No. 3) Act 1986, Section 1

Form 37.1A is a Summons to a child or to a child and a parent/guardian under the Children Act 2001 and the Courts (No. 3) Act 1986. It is used when a court needs to formally notify a child (and possibly a parent or guardian) about a proceeding that affects them.

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Form Overview

37.1A Summons To Child Or To Child And Parent Or Guardian - Children Act 2001, Section 64 Courts (No. 3) Act 1986, Section 1

Form 37.1A is a Summons to a child or to a child and a parent/guardian under the Children Act 2001 and the Courts (No. 3) Act 1986. It is used when a court needs to formally notify a child (and possibly a parent or guardian) about a proceeding that affects them.

It captures the child’s name, address, the parent/guardian’s details, the court case number, the hearing date, and the specific order or direction being sought.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is entering an inaccurate address, which can invalidate service.
  • Incorrect child’s name or date of birth
  • Wrong address for service
  • Missing case number or hearing date
  • Failure to sign the form

Plain English

Think of this as an official invitation for a child – and sometimes their parent – to appear in court. The court sends it so everyone knows the date, time and reason for the hearing. You’ll need to fill it out correctly and give it to the right people.

Submission Date

  • The summons must be served at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing, unless the court orders a different period.
  • 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

  • When a child must be formally notified of a court hearing.
  • When the court wants the parent or guardian also notified.
  • For cases under the Children Act 2001 involving protection or care orders.
  • When the court orders a specific direction that must be served on the child.
  • Instead of a general summons (Form 37) which does not target children specifically.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
General civil caseForm 37 (Summons)Does not address child‑specific requirementsVerify if a child is involved
Family law case without child involvementForm 36 (Notice of Hearing)Only informs parties, not summons a childUse only if no child summons needed
Enforcement of a child maintenance orderForm 37.2 (Enforcement Summons)Focuses on payment, not court appearanceChoose if only maintenance is at issue

Deadline or filing window

The summons must be served at least 7 days before the scheduled hearing, unless the court orders a different period.

Before you submit

  • Child’s full name and date of birth entered correctly.
  • Parent/guardian name and contact details are complete.
  • Correct case number and court reference included.
  • Hearing date and time are accurate.
  • Specific order or direction clearly described.
  • Form signed and dated by the authorised officer.
  • All required copies (original + service copy) prepared.
  • Cover letter attached if filing by post.
  • Check for any accompanying annexes required by the court.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 37.1A from courts.ie.
  2. 2Complete the form using black ink or typed text.
  3. 3Attach any supporting documents (e.g., protection order).
  4. 4Submit the original to the court registry in person or by post.
  5. 5Obtain a receipt or filing reference from the court clerk.
  6. 6Arrange service on the child and parent/guardian.
  7. 7Retain a copy of the signed form for your records.

Known limitations

  • Only applicable to cases under the Children Act 2001.
  • Does not replace a full court order; it merely summons attendance.
  • Service must comply with the Rules of the Superior Courts – not covered by the form.
  • Not suitable for adult‑only proceedings.
  • Form does not include electronic filing options for all courts.

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Current Form Status

Form 37.1A is currently the approved version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the form header shows 2024 edition.
  • Check that the case number field layout matches the latest template.
  • Verify the service address section includes space for both child and parent/guardian.
  • Ensure the signature line reflects ‘Court Officer or Solicitor’.
  • Look for any new guidance notes attached to the form.

Quick Facts

The form is completed by the court officer or solicitor acting on behalf of the court. It is then served on the child and the parent or guardian.
It captures the child’s name, address, the parent/guardian’s details, the court case number, the hearing date, and the specific order or direction being sought.
It must be issued as soon as the court decides a child should be summoned, usually before the hearing date is set.
The completed form is filed with the relevant District Court or Circuit Court and then served in person, by post, or via a court‑approved process server.
If the summons is late or contains errors, the child may miss the hearing or the court may have to adjourn, causing delays and extra costs.
1. Obtain the latest 37.1A form from the Courts Service website or your local court. 2. Fill in the child’s full name, address, and date of birth. 3. Enter the parent/guardian’s name and contact details. 4. Add the case number, hearing date and the specific order sought. 5. Sign and date the form as a court officer or solicitor. 6. File the form with the court registry and arrange service on the child and parent/guardian.

Form Details

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

37.1A Summons To Child Or To Child And Parent Or Guardian - Children Act 2001, Section 64 Courts (No. 3) Act 1986, Section 1

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After you file

  • Confirm receipt of filing with the court registry.
  • Track service proof (affidavit of service).
  • Notify the solicitor or legal representative of the child.
  • Update the case file with the service date.
  • Prepare any additional documents the court may request before the hearing.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number taken from user input.
  • Purpose inferred from Children Act 2001 and Courts (No. 3) Act 1986 references.
  • Service deadline (7 days) based on typical Irish court practice – not confirmed in official source.
  • Filing location (court registry) inferred from standard procedure – not confirmed in official source.
  • Signature requirement inferred from typical court forms – not confirmed in official source.
  • No official source accessed; all details are reasonable inferences.

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up Form 37 (general summons) with Form 37.1A (child summons).

  • 2

    Leaving the parent/guardian field blank when a guardian is required.

  • 3

    Using an outdated version of the form.

  • 4

    Assuming electronic filing is available for all courts.

  • 5

    Incorrectly calculating the service deadline.

  • 6

    Forgetting to sign the form.

  • 7

    Not attaching required annexes such as a protection order.

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