Official form guide
Form 42.05 Notice Of Discharge Of Solicitor
This form, the Notice Of Discharge Of Solicitor (Form 42.05), officially notifies the Courts Service of Ireland about a change in legal representation. Use it when a solicitor is formally stepping down or being removed from representing a client case.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 42.05 Notice Of Discharge Of Solicitor
This form, the Notice Of Discharge Of Solicitor (Form 42.05), officially notifies the Courts Service of Ireland about a change in legal representation. Use it when a solicitor is formally stepping down or being removed from representing a client case.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common error is failing to provide the exact date of discharge.
- 2Using an old case number from a previous matter.
- 3Omitting the solicitor's professional registration number.
- 4Failing to specify whether the discharge is voluntary or by order.
- 5Submitting the form before the client has formally instructed the change.
Plain English
If your lawyer (solicitor) stops working for you, this form tells the courts. It's basically an official announcement that signals a change in who is handling your legal matter within the Irish court system.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed deadline listed on the form itself, but submission should happen immediately following the formal agreement or instruction for discharge.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
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What this form is for
- A solicitor is formally stepping down from representing your case.
- The client (or another party) needs to notify the courts that their previous legal representative has ended their duties.
- Use this when there is a formal discharge, not just an informal agreement to stop working together.
- It serves as official notification to the Courts Service of Ireland.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Change of Solicitor (but still retained)
If the solicitor is changing but remains on retainer, check if a different form covers this.
✓ Check the specific case requirements first.
Appointment of New Solicitor
This form documents the *leaving*, so you need one to document the *arrival* of new representation.
✓ Ensure both discharge and appointment notices are filed.
Courts Service Form 42.05 (or related)
Withdrawal by Client
If the client decides to stop legal help entirely, this might be a variation of 42.05.
✓ Confirm if the solicitor is being discharged or simply letting go.
Instructing New Solicitor (by Court Order)
This form confirms the discharge that happened as part of a court directive.
✓ Verify the order date matches your notification date.
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed deadline listed on the form itself, but submission should happen immediately following the formal agreement or instruction for discharge.
Before you submit
- 1The solicitor who is being discharged must sign the form.
- 2The client (or instructing party) signature is mandatory.
- 3All dates mentioned on Form 42.05 must be accurate.
- 4Ensure you have filled in the correct Case Number/File Reference number.
- 5Verify that the name and address of the solicitor being discharged are complete.
- 6Confirm the exact date the discharge takes effect.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all fields on Form 42.05 clearly using black ink.
- 2Sign and date the form in the designated signature blocks.
- 3Submit the completed form to the relevant Courts Service office handling your case.
- 4If instructed, send a copy to the opposing solicitor involved in the matter.
- 5Keep a signed copy for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only notifies; it does not automatically change the court record until processed.
- 2The specific requirement of which Courts Service office receives the form depends on where your case is heard.
- 3It does not guarantee acceptance by the judge or registrar, though it is the official notification method.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: There might be a supplementary declaration needed depending on the jurisdiction within Ireland.
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->This is the standard notification document for a solicitor leaving representation. It officially informs the Courts Service of Ireland about this change.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check for updates to required signatory fields.
- Verify if any specific case type (e.g., civil vs. criminal) requires an additional annexure.
- Confirm the current official version number listed on the form itself.
- Look at the date of the last revision mentioned on the document.
- Ensure all required boxes for 'reason for discharge' are present and legible.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Name: Notice Of Discharge Of Solicitor
- SRCForm Number: 42.05
- SRCPurpose: Official notification of solicitor departure from a case.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific guidance on filing deadlines across all Irish courts.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Discharge' with 'Retirement': Discharge means they are leaving *your* case; retirement is them stopping practice entirely.
Not knowing who signs: Usually, the discharging solicitor and the client sign. Check your specific instructions.
Mistaking it for a simple letter: A formal letter might suffice initially, but 42.05 is the official court document.
Forgetting to include the Case Number: Without this, the Courts Service cannot link the notification to your file.
Source transparency
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