Official form guide
Form 10 – Request for Judgment by Default of Defence
This is Form 10 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used when you want a court judgment against someone who has been served with documents but hasn't formally defended themselves in the case. You use this to ask the court to rule in your favour automatically.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 10 – Request for Judgment by Default of Defence
This is Form 10 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used when you want a court judgment against someone who has been served with documents but hasn't formally defended themselves in the case. You use this to ask the court to rule in your favour automatically.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit this form before confirming proper service on the defendant!
- 2Failing to attach proof of valid service.
- 3Using the wrong case number or jurisdiction details.
- 4Not clearly stating the grounds for judgment (i.e., that they failed to defend).
- 5Submitting it too early (before the defence window closes).
Plain English
Simply put, if you sue someone in Irish court and they ignore the papers, this form lets you ask the judge to decide the case for you. Instead of a full trial where both sides argue, the judge makes a decision based on what you presented. It speeds up getting a final ruling.
Submission Date
- Filing date: This request must generally be made after the defence deadline has passed. Check your court documents for the precise date by which you can file Form 10.
- 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
- Use this form when someone has been officially served with court documents.
- Use it specifically when that person has not filed a formal defence against your claim.
- It asks the Court to grant you a Judgment by Default of Defence.
- This is used after service, but before the trial date (if one was set).
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Defendant hasn't been served yet
You must serve them first.
✓ Check if service proof is ready.
You want to appeal a judgment already given by default
This form handles the request, another might handle the appeal itself.
✓ Check the title carefully.
The case is complex and needs a hearing date set
You may need a different application form alongside this one.
✓ Check if the court requires an accompanying schedule.
Deadline or filing window
This request must generally be made after the defence deadline has passed. Check your court documents for the precise date by which you can file Form 10.
Before you submit
- 1All required sections must be completed in ink or electronically.
- 2Attach proof that the defendant was properly served (e.g., Acknowledgment of Service).
- 3Ensure your full name and address are correct.
- 4Verify the case number matches exactly what is on the court documentation.
- 5Sign and date the form where indicated.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 10 thoroughly.
- 2Gather supporting documents (proof of service, claim particulars).
- 3Submit the completed Form 10 to the relevant District or Circuit Court office.
- 4If filing online, upload the scanned PDF via the Courts Service portal.
- 5Pay any required court fees at the time of submission.
Known limitations
- 1This form only requests a judgment; it does not guarantee one.
- 2The specific rules for requesting default depend on the type of claim (e.g., civil vs. small claims).
- 3Not confirmed in official source: There might be specific deadlines tied to how long after service you must file Form 10.
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 Form 10 used by the Courts Service of Ireland. It remains the primary document for seeking a judgment when a defendant fails to respond.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check for any updated reference numbers or departmental stamps.
- Confirm the current year/session details are correct on the form header.
- Verify if there are new boxes related to online filing methods (e.g., Courts Service portal).
- Ensure the specific type of claim you are making is listed correctly.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 11/08/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: Form 10
- SRCPurpose: Requesting Judgment by Default of Defence
- SRCContext: Used when defendant fails to respond after being served.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific jurisdiction rules for filing.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Service' with 'Defence': You must prove service first, then use this form to ask for judgment.
Thinking it starts the case: Form 10 is usually used *after* the claim has already been issued.
Not confirmed in official source: Not realizing you need a specific court fee attached to the submission.
Mistaking it for an application for summary judgment (which is different).
Source transparency
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