Official form guide
Form 2B – Equity Civil Bill
Form 2B is an Equity Civil Bill lodged with the Courts Service of Ireland. You use this form when starting a civil case based on principles of equity, rather than standard common law.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 2B – Equity Civil Bill
Form 2B is an Equity Civil Bill lodged with the Courts Service of Ireland. You use this form when starting a civil case based on principles of equity, rather than standard common law.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure the claim is genuinely based on equitable principles before filing.
- 2Failing to specify the exact equitable relief sought.
- 3Incorrectly classifying the claim (e.g., using this instead of a standard common law bill).
- 4Missing required supporting documentation (like witness statements).
- 5Using outdated or incorrect Court Service forms.
Plain English
This document kicks off a lawsuit in the Irish courts specifically dealing with fairness and justice (equity). Think of it as telling the court you need them to step in because the strict rules don't quite fit your situation. It formally starts the legal action.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no single universal deadline; it must be filed promptly after the event necessitating the equity arises. Check court rules for specific case types.
- 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 your claim relies heavily on fairness or specific equitable doctrines, not just standard common law rules.
- It is required when initiating a suit where the relief sought requires an equitable remedy (e.g., injunctions, specific performance).
- If you are starting a simple contract dispute under general civil law principles, check if Form 2A is more appropriate.
- This form signals to the Courts Service that your case falls under equity jurisdiction.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Standard Contract Dispute
Use this if your claim is purely based on common law contract breach.
✓ Check whether you need an equitable remedy.
Family Law Matter
If the case involves marriage or children, a specific family form might be needed.
✓ Confirm with the local Circuit/District Court.
Property Dispute (Simple)
For straightforward property issues where equity isn't central to the relief sought.
✓ Verify if your claim requires equitable intervention.
Company Matter (CRO related)
If the issue directly relates to a CRO filing, check for a specific company action form.
✓ Ensure you are not mixing jurisdiction.
Deadline or filing window
There is no single universal deadline; it must be filed promptly after the event necessitating the equity arises. Check court rules for specific case types.
Before you submit
- 1Ensure all sections of Form 2B are fully completed, even if you believe a section is irrelevant.
- 2Attach copies of key documents supporting your claim (e.g., contract, letter before action).
- 3Verify the correct court jurisdiction details (District vs. Circuit) are filled in.
- 4Confirm the full name and address of all parties involved (Plaintiff/Defendant).
- 5Check that you have specified the exact relief sought under equity.
- 6Sign and date the form where indicated.
How to file this form
- 1Complete Form 2B thoroughly using black ink.
- 2Gather all necessary supporting documentation copies.
- 3Submit the completed form and documents to the appropriate Courts Service office (or via the online portal).
- 4Pay any required filing fee at the time of submission or attach proof of payment.
- 5Retain a copy of the fully filed package for your own records.
Known limitations
- 1This form alone does not guarantee success; it only initiates the proceedings.
- 2The specific court handling your case is determined by jurisdiction rules, which are not detailed on Form 2B itself.
- 3It does not specify if you must use the Revenue Online Service (ROS) for associated tax claims.
- 4Not confirmed in official source: It does not confirm required service methods (e.g., personal vs. registered post).
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 2B used for starting a civil case based on equity principles. The Courts Service of Ireland manages its current validity.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the date stamp on the top right corner of Form 2B.
- Verify if there have been recent changes to required supporting documentation lists.
- Confirm the current departmental contact details listed on the form are active.
- Look for updates regarding electronic filing requirements via the Courts Service portal.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 20/09/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCIssued by: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCForm Name: Form 2BEquity Civil Bill
- SRCPurpose: To initiate an action based on equitable principles.
- SRCContext: Irish civil litigation process.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Specific fee amounts for the current year.
Common confusion points
Confusing 'Equity' with general civil law: Equity deals with fairness remedies (like forcing someone to perform a contract), while common law covers basic breach/damages.
Not knowing which court level to file in: The form itself doesn't specify if it must go to District or Circuit Court.
Thinking the claim is simple enough for just one paragraph: Even small claims often require structured detail on Form 2B.
Mixing up who signs it: Ensure the initiating party (usually the Plaintiff) signs, not just their solicitor.
Source transparency
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