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37.40 Children Act 2001, Section 76A

Form 37.40 is a Children Act 2001, Section 76A application used in the Courts Service of Ireland. It is filed when a court order under that section is required, such as a specific child‑related direction.

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Form Overview

37.40 Children Act 2001, Section 76A

Form 37.40 is a Children Act 2001, Section 76A application used in the Courts Service of Ireland. It is filed when a court order under that section is required, such as a specific child‑related direction.

The form records the applicant’s details, the child’s details, the specific order being sought, and the reasons for the request.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the form.
  • Missing signatures
  • Incorrect child’s name or date of birth
  • Failure to attach required supporting documents
  • Submitting to the wrong court registry

Plain English

This is the paperwork you give to the court when you need a legal decision about a child under Section 76A of the Children Act. Think of it as the official request that starts the process.

Submission Date

  • There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the form should be filed before any scheduled hearing to avoid adjournments.
  • 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 you need a Section 76A order under the Children Act 2001.
  • If a court has directed you to apply for a specific child‑related direction.
  • When no other specialised form (e.g., guardianship or adoption) applies.
  • For applications initiated by Tusla on behalf of a child.
  • When the matter is being dealt with in District or Circuit Court.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Guardianship orderForm 37.41Used for appointing a legal guardianVerify if the order is about guardianship, not Section 76A
Child’s name changeForm 37.42Specific to name change applicationsUse only if the request is solely for a name change
Protection orderForm 37.43Relates to personal protection for a childNot appropriate for Section 76A matters

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the form should be filed before any scheduled hearing to avoid adjournments.

Before you submit

  • All fields completed in full.
  • Applicant’s signature present.
  • Child’s full name and DOB correctly entered.
  • Supporting documents attached and labelled.
  • Correct court registry selected.
  • Date of submission recorded.
  • Cover letter includes case reference (if known).
  • Copy retained for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Download the latest Form 37.40 from courts.ie.
  2. 2Print and complete the form by hand or type it in PDF.
  3. 3Gather required supporting documents.
  4. 4Sign the form and have a witness sign if needed.
  5. 5Deliver the package to the appropriate court registry or post it.
  6. 6Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment from the court.

Known limitations

  • Form does not accept electronic signatures.
  • Only accepted by District and Circuit Courts, not the High Court.
  • No online submission for all courts – check local availability.
  • Limited guidance notes; seek court clerk assistance if unclear.

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Current Form Status

Form 37.40 is current as of the latest Courts Service update in 2024; no major revisions have been announced.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check that the form header shows the 2024 version date.
  • Confirm the court registry address listed matches your local court.
  • Verify any new attachment requirements (e.g., electronic copies).
  • Ensure the signature line includes space for a witness if required.

Quick Facts

Anyone seeking a Section 76A order – typically a parent, guardian, or the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) – must complete the form.
The form records the applicant’s details, the child’s details, the specific order being sought, and the reasons for the request.
It must be lodged as soon as the need for the order arises, usually before any hearing date is set by the court.
Submit the completed form to the relevant District Court or Circuit Court registry in person or by post. Some courts accept electronic filing via the Courts Service portal.
Accurate, timely filing ensures the court can consider the request without delay; errors or late submissions can postpone the hearing or result in the application being dismissed.
1. Download Form 37.40 from the Courts Service website. 2. Fill in all sections legibly in black ink. 3. Attach any supporting documents (e.g., birth certificates, consent letters). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Deliver it to the court registry or post it with a covering letter stating the case number, if known.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
20/10/25

37.40 Children Act 2001, Section 76A

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After you file

  • Keep the receipt or post proof for your records.
  • Monitor court communications for a hearing date.
  • Prepare any additional evidence the judge may request.
  • Notify the other party or their legal representative.
  • Update any relevant agencies (e.g., Tusla) of the filing.

Source and verification log

  • Form number and title taken from user input.
  • Section 76A reference inferred from Children Act 2001.
  • Submission methods based on typical Courts Service practice.
  • Risk and checklist items derived from common filing issues.
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact content of Section 76A order.
  • Not confirmed in official source: electronic filing availability for all courts.

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up Section 76A with other sections of the Children Act.

  • 2

    Using the wrong form for name change or guardianship.

  • 3

    Leaving the ‘court reference’ field blank when a number exists.

  • 4

    Submitting to a High Court registry by mistake.

  • 5

    Failing to attach a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate.

  • 6

    Unclear whether a witness signature is needed.

  • 7

    Assuming the form can be emailed without a hard copy.

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