Official form guide
Form 21.3 – Warrant For Attendance Of Witness (Evading Service Of Summons)
This form is a Warrant For Attendance Of Witness (Form 21.3). It is used when someone needs to compel a witness to attend court because they are avoiding the official service of a summons. You use it when standard notification methods fail.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 21.3 – Warrant For Attendance Of Witness (Evading Service Of Summons)
This form is a Warrant For Attendance Of Witness (Form 21.3). It is used when someone needs to compel a witness to attend court because they are avoiding the official service of a summons. You use it when standard notification methods fail.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Don't forget to attach proof of the failed service attempts.
- 2Failing to cite the correct Case Number.
- 3Not detailing *how* the witness evaded service.
- 4Submitting without a signature from the filing party.
- 5Using an outdated version of Form 21.3.
Plain English
Think of this as an official 'must-show-up' order from the Courts Service. When you try to tell a witness about a hearing, but they keep dodging the paperwork, you file this form. It forces them to attend court proceedings in Ireland.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The submission timing depends on the court rules for your specific case. Generally, it must be filed before the scheduled 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 when you have tried to serve a summons, but the intended witness is avoiding it.
- It is used specifically to request attendance when service of the initial summons has failed due to evasion.
- Do not use this if the witness simply cannot be found; use standard service methods first.
- Use this form when you need the court to force a person to show up in court.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Witness is hard to locate
Use 21.3 only after proof of failed service shows evasion.
✓ Check if initial summons was served.
The witness refuses to attend voluntarily
It formalizes the court's order to compel attendance against their will.
✓ Confirm refusal is documented.
Witness needs special accommodations (e.g., travel costs)
The warrant allows for these requests to be attached/made clear.
✓ Check if expenses are listed elsewhere.
Might require an addendum or specific request on 21.3
The case involves a civil matter vs. criminal matter
While the form is general, context matters for court procedures.
✓ Note the type of hearing.
Deadline or filing window
The submission timing depends on the court rules for your specific case. Generally, it must be filed before the scheduled hearing date.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all personal details of the witness and parties are accurate.
- 2Clearly state *why* service failed (e.g., 'Witness deliberately avoided address').
- 3Attach proof of attempts to serve the original summons/notice.
- 4Sign and date the form in the designated area.
- 5Verify that the requesting party's contact details are current.
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of Form 21.3 thoroughly.
- 2Attach supporting documentation proving service attempts.
- 3Submit the completed form to the relevant Court office (Courts Service).
- 4Receive a stamped or acknowledgement receipt from the court.
- 5Keep a copy for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This warrant does not guarantee attendance; it compels the order, but doesn't force physical presence instantly.
- 2The specific jurisdiction (which local court handles it) is not confirmed in official source.
- 3It does not replace the need to serve the original summons first.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: Whether fees are required at the time of filing.
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 21.3 from the Courts Service of Ireland. It remains the standard document for compelling a witness who is actively dodging court notifications.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the date/year printed on Form 21.3.
- Check if any specific local circuit or regional additions have been added to the template.
- Confirm the required signature fields match current Courts Service standards.
- Review the section detailing 'Reason for Evasion' for updated guidance text.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/10/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssuing Agency: Courts Service of Ireland (COURTS)
- SRCForm Number: 21.3
- SRCPurpose: Warrant For Attendance Of Witness (Evading Service Of Summons)
- SRCContext: Used when standard summons notification fails due to witness avoidance.
Common confusion points
Mistaking this form for a simple 'Request to Serve'—this is the *order* to attend, not just the request.
Not detailing the evasion method clearly enough (e.g., saying 'they won't come' instead of 'they ignored three attempts').
Failing to attach proof of service when required by the local court rules.
Assuming this form automatically overrides all other previous notices.
Source transparency
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