Official form guide
Form 55C - Reply to Capacity Application: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Form 55C is the Circuit Court’s reply form for a Capacity Application made under the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It is used by the Relevant Person – the person whose capacity is being assessed – to tell the court whether they accept or contest the application.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 55C - Reply to Capacity Application: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Form 55C is the Circuit Court’s reply form for a Capacity Application made under the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It is used by the Relevant Person – the person whose capacity is being assessed – to tell the court whether they accept or contest the application.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the form.
- 2No signature or missing solicitor signature
- 3Choosing the wrong response box
- 4Leaving the reasons section blank when disagreeing
- 5Not stating required assistance for the hearing
Plain English
If you’ve been named in a capacity case and you want to let the court know whether you agree with the request, you fill out this short paper. You can simply say you don’t object, or you can explain why you disagree and add any extra information you think the judge should hear.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The reply must reach the court before the hearing date printed on the form; otherwise the court may proceed without your input.
- 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
- When you are the Relevant Person responding to a Capacity Application in the Circuit Court.
- To state whether you accept (do not object) or contest (do not agree) the application.
- If you contest, to provide written reasons and any extra information for the court.
- To request special assistance or facilities for the hearing.
- If you have a solicitor, to include their details and signature on the form.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Initial capacity application
Starts the capacity assessment process
✓ Verify you need the initial application form
Request for a review of a previous decision
Different procedural track
✓ Confirm correct review form
Appeal of a Circuit Court capacity decision
Higher court involvement
✓ Check if appeal form is required
Deadline or filing window
The reply must reach the court before the hearing date printed on the form; otherwise the court may proceed without your input.
Before you submit
- 1Relevant Person’s first name and surname entered.
- 2Name of applicant(s) written correctly.
- 3Record number, circuit and county filled in.
- 4Hearing date entered in DD/MM/YYYY format.
- 5One response option selected (object or not).
- 6If objecting, reasons written clearly and legibly.
- 7Any additional information or special assistance needs noted.
- 8Solicitor details added if applicable.
- 9Signature of Relevant Person (or solicitor) dated.
- 10Form addressed to the correct court office and applicant.
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest Form 55C from the Courts Service website or court office.
- 2Complete Section A (application details) with accurate record information.
- 3Complete Section B – choose a response and, if needed, write reasons and extra info.
- 4Complete Section C if you need special assistance, and Section D for any other details.
- 5Add solicitor details in Section E if you have legal representation.
- 6Sign and date the form, then attach any extra pages used for reasons.
- 7Deliver the completed form to the court office named in Section F and keep a copy.
Known limitations
- 1Only for Capacity Applications in the Circuit Court, not for High Court or other tribunals.
- 2Only the Relevant Person (or their solicitor) may use this form.
- 3Does not replace the original capacity application – it is a reply only.
- 4If you need to change your response after filing, a new form may be required.
- 5Special assistance requests must be made in this form; separate requests are not accepted.
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->Form 55C is the current Circuit Court reply form for Capacity Applications under Part 5 of the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015, as amended. No newer version is indicated in the source.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form shows ‘as amended’ – check for any recent amendment notes.
- Verify the hearing date field (DD/MM/YYYY) is filled correctly.
- Ensure the response options (I do not object / I do not agree) are clearly selected.
- If disagreeing, confirm that reasons are provided in the allocated space.
- Check that solicitor details are included if a solicitor is acting.
- Confirm the signature of the Relevant Person (or solicitor) is present.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 09/04/25
Sources
- SRCForm title and number confirmed: Form 55CReply to Capacity Application (source p.1).
- SRCRelevant Person fields (first name, surname) confirmed (source p.1).
- SRCResponse options ‘I do not object to the application’ and ‘I do not agree with the application’ confirmed (source p.1).
- SRCSpace for reasons if not agreeing confirmed (source p.2).
- SRCSection C for special assistance confirmed (source p.3).
- SRCSection D for additional information confirmed (source p.4).
- SRCSignature block and solicitor details confirmed (source p.5).
- SRCAddress fields for court office and applicant confirmed (source p.5).
- SRCExact amendment wording ‘as amended’ noted (source p.1).
- SRCOther details such as form length, page numbers, and specific field labels are not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Leaving both response options unchecked.
Failing to provide reasons when selecting ‘I do not agree with the application’.
Omitting the hearing date or using the wrong date format.
Not signing the form or missing the solicitor’s signature when required.
Using the form for a non‑Circuit Court matter.
Forgetting to list special assistance needs in Section C.
Writing reasons in the wrong section or on a separate sheet without clear labeling.
Leaving solicitor fields blank when a solicitor is representing you.
Source transparency
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