🇮🇪COURTS

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

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.

The form captures details of the case, the parties involved, and declarations confirming that the other side has been properly served but failed to defend themselves. It confirms your request for a judgment based on that failure.

Risk Radar

  • Do not submit this form before confirming proper service on the defendant!
  • Failing to attach proof of valid service.
  • Using the wrong case number or jurisdiction details.
  • Not clearly stating the grounds for judgment (i.e., that they failed to defend).
  • Submitting 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

  • 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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Glossary Terms

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

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).

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Defendant hasn't been served yetNot confirmed in official sourceYou must serve them first.Check if service proof is ready.
You want to appeal a judgment already given by defaultForm 10A (Likely)This form handles the request, another might handle the appeal itself.Check the title carefully.
The case is complex and needs a hearing date setNot confirmed in official sourceYou 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

  • All required sections must be completed in ink or electronically.
  • Attach proof that the defendant was properly served (e.g., Acknowledgment of Service).
  • Ensure your full name and address are correct.
  • Verify the case number matches exactly what is on the court documentation.
  • Sign and date the form where indicated.

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all sections of Form 10 thoroughly.
  2. 2Gather supporting documents (proof of service, claim particulars).
  3. 3Submit the completed Form 10 to the relevant District or Circuit Court office.
  4. 4If filing online, upload the scanned PDF via the Courts Service portal.
  5. 5Pay any required court fees at the time of submission.

Known limitations

  • This form only requests a judgment; it does not guarantee one.
  • The specific rules for requesting default depend on the type of claim (e.g., civil vs. small claims).
  • Not confirmed in official source: There might be specific deadlines tied to how long after service you must file Form 10.

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Current Form Status

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.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

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

A party involved in a civil action within the Irish courts must submit this form. This is typically the person or entity who initiated the claim (the plaintiff).
The form captures details of the case, the parties involved, and declarations confirming that the other side has been properly served but failed to defend themselves. It confirms your request for a judgment based on that failure.
You submit this form after you have formally served the defendant with court documents and they have missed the deadline to file their defence. The specific timing depends on the rules of that particular court action.
Submission is usually done through the Courts Service of Ireland's designated online portal or by posting it directly to the relevant District or Circuit Court office in Ireland.
Submitting this form correctly allows you to move towards a final judgment without needing a full trial hearing. Errors can cause delays, forcing the case back into standard litigation procedures.
Fill out all sections clearly using black ink. Ensure you reference the correct Case Number from your court file. Attach proof of service (e.g., an Affidavit of Service). Submit it via the official Courts Service portal or post it to the relevant courthouse address.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
11/08/25

Form 10 – Request for Judgment by Default of Defence

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After you file

  • Keep a copy of the filed Form 10 and all attachments.
  • Note down the date and time it was submitted/stamped by the court.
  • Track the case number through the Courts Service portal or with the registry clerk.
  • Be prepared to follow up if you do not receive confirmation within a set timeframe.

Source and verification log

  • Issued by: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
  • Form Number: Form 10
  • Purpose: Requesting Judgment by Default of Defence
  • Context: Used when defendant fails to respond after being served.
  • Not confirmed in official source: Specific jurisdiction rules for filing.

Common confusion points

4 things to watch for

  • 1

    Confusing 'Service' with 'Defence': You must prove service first, then use this form to ask for judgment.

  • 2

    Thinking it starts the case: Form 10 is usually used *after* the claim has already been issued.

  • 3

    Not confirmed in official source: Not realizing you need a specific court fee attached to the submission.

  • 4

    Mistaking it for an application for summary judgment (which is different).

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