Official form guide
Form 21.2 – Information - Witness Evading Service Of Summons
Form 21.2 is used to provide information regarding a witness who has avoided being served with legal summonses within the Courts Service of Ireland system. You use this when someone legally required to attend court fails to accept official service.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 21.2 – Information - Witness Evading Service Of Summons
Form 21.2 is used to provide information regarding a witness who has avoided being served with legal summonses within the Courts Service of Ireland system. You use this when someone legally required to attend court fails to accept official service.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Do not submit without a clear reference to the specific Summons Number being evaded.
- 2Failing to list the exact Summons Number being evaded.
- 3Vague description of *how* the service was avoided (e.g., just saying 'evaded').
- 4Omitting the witness's full name or address details.
- 5Submitting the form without a signature/date.
Plain English
This form tells the Irish courts that you have noticed a specific person is dodging the official paperwork (summons) telling them they need to appear in court. It flags the issue so the court knows the witness isn't cooperating with legal procedures.
Submission Date
- Filing date: While there is no universal deadline, aim to file this form as soon as the evasion event takes place. Courts may require submission within a short timeframe of a hearing date.
- 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 you know a specific person must attend court.
- Use it after attempts to serve them (e.g., at their home or workplace) have failed.
- Use it specifically because the witness is *evading* service, not just unavailable.
- This is for providing information to the Courts Service, not necessarily filing a case itself.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Witnesses who are simply unreachable (e.g., phone off)
Use this if evasion isn't certain; use 21.2 if they actively dodge service.
✓ Check the reason for non-service.
Filing a new case where you need to summon someone
If you are initiating proceedings, start with the relevant summons form first.
✓ Confirm which specific action requires the witness.
Witnesses who refuse to sign documents
While refusal is related, use 21.2 when they actively evade *service* of the summons itself.
✓ Note the date/location of the refusal.
Not confirmed in official source
Not confirmed in official source
✓ Check form instructions for exact cross-referencing.
Deadline or filing window
While there is no universal deadline, aim to file this form as soon as the evasion event takes place. Courts may require submission within a short timeframe of a hearing date.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure you have clearly identified the witness's full name and address.
- 2Confirm the exact date(s) and method(s) of attempted service are recorded.
- 3Verify that the summons being evaded is correctly described (e.g., Civil, Criminal).
- 4Check that your signature matches the details provided for the reporting party.
- 5Ensure you have noted *how* the witness evaded service (e.g., refused to answer, left premises immediately).
- 6Confirm the specific court/jurisdiction where the summons is due.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 21.2 using clear, legible handwriting or typed text.
- 2Attach any supporting evidence (e.g., proof of attempted delivery slips) to the form.
- 3Sign and date the document where indicated on the form.
- 4Submit the completed form to the designated Courts Service office or via the online portal.
- 5Keep a copy of the fully executed Form 21.2 for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form only reports evasion; it does not automatically force attendance at court.
- 2The outcome depends on how the Courts Service uses this information (e.g., issuing a warrant).
- 3It does not confirm *why* the witness is evading service, only that they are doing so.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: The specific deadline for filing 21.2 after evasion occurs is not confirmed.
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 Form 21.2 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It remains the standard document for reporting when a witness actively avoids receiving legal summonses.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if there are new fields related to digital service attempts (e.g., email/online portal).
- Verify the current required signature blocks for the reporting party.
- Confirm the designated court office or jurisdiction listed on the form is up-to-date.
- Look for any changes in terminology regarding 'Service of Summons'.
- Check if a specific reference to CRO forms (if related to business witnesses) has been added.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 21.2
- SRCPurpose: Reporting Witness Evading Service Of Summons
- SRCContext: Used within the Irish court system for summons compliance.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific required accompanying documents.
Common confusion points
Mistaking evasion for simple absence: Evasion means they actively avoid being served, not just that they are out shopping.
Filing it too early: Don't file before you have made a documented attempt to serve them.
Not detailing the 'how': Simply stating 'evaded service' is weak; detail *how* (e.g., bolted out the door).
Confusing it with CRO filing: If the witness is a director of a company, ensure you link this form to the relevant CRO records.
Source transparency
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