Official form guide
Form 59.1 Domestic Violence Summons - Domestic Violence Act 2018 as amended
This form is a Domestic Violence Summons under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 (as amended). You use it when you need the Courts Service of Ireland to formally start proceedings regarding domestic violence.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 59.1 Domestic Violence Summons - Domestic Violence Act 2018 as amended
This form is a Domestic Violence Summons under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 (as amended). You use it when you need the Courts Service of Ireland to formally start proceedings regarding domestic violence.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not forget to accurately name the person you are summoning!
- 2Incorrectly naming the defendant/respondent.
- 3Failing to detail the specific act of violence.
- 4Not signing and dating the form properly.
- 5Submitting it to the wrong local courthouse.
Plain English
If someone in your household has been involved in domestic violence, this document starts the official court process. It tells the courts that a specific issue related to domestic violence needs to be heard legally. This summons kicks off the formal legal action.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no single fixed deadline listed here; submission should happen as soon as possible after the incident. The timing dictates when the court will schedule a hearing.
- 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
- You need this form when you want the Courts Service of Ireland to officially start a case about domestic violence.
- Use it if you are initiating action under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 (as amended).
- This is for formal court proceedings, not just informal complaints or police reports.
- It initiates the legal process within the Irish courts system.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
General Civil Dispute
If your issue isn't specifically domestic violence related.
✓ Check if a general summons is more appropriate.
Form number TBD/Other Courts Forms
Protective Order Application
Because this form directly relates to the DV Act 2018 provisions.
✓ Ensure you are seeking an order under this specific Act.
Police Report Only
If you have only reported it and haven't formally asked the court to act yet.
✓ You may need a separate application or supporting documentation.
Deadline or filing window
There is no single fixed deadline listed here; submission should happen as soon as possible after the incident. The timing dictates when the court will schedule a hearing.
Before you submit
- 1Fill out every section completely, even if the answer is 'None'.
- 2Use black ink for all handwritten entries.
- 3Ensure names and addresses match official documentation (e.g., CRO registration).
- 4Sign and date the form in the designated signature area.
- 5Attach supporting evidence if required by the instructions.
- 6Verify that the correct jurisdiction/court is listed.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all fields of Form 59.1 accurately.
- 2Sign and date the form.
- 3Submit the completed form to the relevant Courts Service office.
- 4Keep a copy for your own records.
- 5If submitting online, ensure you attach scanned copies of any evidence.
Known limitations
- 1This form initiates proceedings; it does not guarantee a specific outcome or order.
- 2It is tied to the Domestic Violence Act 2018 as amended. If your case falls under an older act, this might be incorrect.
- 3The specific court where you must file is determined by the nature of the dispute (e.g., local vs. circuit).
- 4Not confirmed in official source: There may be supplementary forms required depending on the exact type of order sought.
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 current version of Form 59.1. It relates specifically to proceedings under the Domestic Violence Act 2018 and any subsequent amendments.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the date of the latest amendment listed on the form.
- Confirm the exact wording of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 as amended.
- Check if any new specific types of orders are mentioned in the current version.
- Ensure the Courts Service logo and official identifier are present.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 23/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 59.1
- SRCLegal Basis: Domestic Violence Act 2018 as amended
- SRCPurpose: To formally commence domestic violence proceedings in Irish courts.
Common confusion points
Confusing this summons with a simple police report—the summons forces the court to act.
Not knowing which specific section of the DV Act 2018 you are invoking on the form.
Assuming filing it automatically means the case is heard immediately (it starts the process).
Mistaking this for a Revenue Online Service notification, when it relates to court action.
Source transparency
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