Information only — this matter needs a solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice, prepare documents or take on cases. This page is a general guide and nothing on it is for sale.
To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
A temporary guardianship appointment in Ireland allows a parent or guardian to nominate someone to act as a temporary guardian of their child in certain circumstances, such as serious illness. A service of this kind typically provides a professionally drafted, Ireland-specific appointment document under Irish family law, tailored to your circumstances. It is for parents who want to plan ahead so their child is cared for if they cannot act, without open-ended hourly billing. This service is not a substitute for full legal representation in contested or high-value matters; for complex disputes, contact us for a tailored quote.
What’s included
- Document(s) drafted under Irish family and succession law
- One round of review and tailoring against your circumstances
- Plain-English guidance notes you can keep with your records
- Delivered by email once your details are received
- Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
- Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
Who this is for
- Parents with a serious illness who want to plan for their children
- Single parents who want a trusted person ready to step in
- Parents facing a long hospital stay or medical treatment
- Families who want peace of mind about children’s care
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- the template then prepares your document(s) from the details you return, with one round of review and tailoring against your circumstances.
- Your document(s) and plain-English guidance notes are delivered by email.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a temporary guardianship appointment cost in Ireland?
This page is a free guide — nothing on it is for sale. Solicitors set their own fees for this work and must give you a written costs estimate (a section 150 letter) before starting. Get quotes through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
When can a temporary guardian be appointed?
Irish law allows a guardian who is unable to exercise their guardianship, for example because of serious illness or injury, to nominate a temporary guardian. In some cases court approval may be needed.
Is a temporary guardian the same as a testamentary guardian?
No. A testamentary guardian is appointed in a Will to act after death, while a temporary guardian acts while the parent is unable to.
For more on separation, children and family law, see our Family Law in Ireland guides and services.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.





