Step 3
Complete and file an application form
To apply for an Arrangements for Children order you must complete an application form and file it in the court office.
To apply for a new order, you must fill out an Application in Relation to Arrangements for Children form.
To apply to vary or discharge an existing order, you must fill out an Application to Vary or Discharge an Order Related to Arrangements for Children form. To ‘Discharge an order’ means to request the court to end or terminate the order, releasing the parties from their obligations under it. To ‘vary an order’ means to request a court to change or modify a previous court order.
Your next steps are as follows:
- Fill out the relevant application form. Make sure you have provided all the information requested.
- If you need to add additional dependent children to the application, please complete the Additional Dependent Child form available here and attach it to your application form.
- File three exact copies of the application form in the court office. You can do this by post or in-person. If you want to file your application in person, certain court offices have an appointment booking service.
Please note: If either of you live or work in Dublin, your local office may be Dublin District Court Family Law Office, also known as Dolphin House. It offers a service by appointment only.
- If the application form has been completed correctly, a member of Court Service staff will assign a hearing date for your application and issue a Notice of Application with the hearing details.