Official form guide
Form 55D - Affidavit of Service on a relevant person: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Form 55D is an affidavit used by the Courts Service of Ireland to confirm that a document has been served on a relevant person under the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It is filed with the court when proof of service to that person is required.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 55D - Affidavit of Service on a relevant person: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Form 55D is an affidavit used by the Courts Service of Ireland to confirm that a document has been served on a relevant person under the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It is filed with the court when proof of service to that person is required.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Leaving the service details blank is a common error.
- 2Missing signature of commissioner for oaths
- 3Incorrect date of service
- 4Wrong court address
- 5Failing to attach delivery proof
Plain English
If you need to give legal papers to someone covered by the Capacity Act, you must sign a statement that you did so. This form records who received the papers, how and when they were delivered. You then send the completed form to the court handling the case.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File the affidavit as soon as possible after service; delays can pause the proceeding.
- 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 need to show a court that a document was personally delivered to a person covered by the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
- If the recipient is a person with a decision‑making support arrangement (e.g., a deputy or attorney) and the service must comply with the Act.
- When the court orders proof of service before a hearing or before a judgment can be entered.
- If you are a bailiff, solicitor, or authorised officer making the service and must swear an affidavit about the act of service.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
General service on any person
Covers ordinary service without reference to the Capacity Act
✓ Verify the type of person being served before choosing.
Service on a person with a power of attorney
Specific to POA situations, not the Capacity Act
✓ Confirm the legal authority in place.
Form 55A (Affidavit of Service on a person with a Power of Attorney)
Service on a minor or incapacitated person not covered by the Capacity Act
Different statutory requirements
✓ Check the age or capacity status.
Form 55B (Affidavit of Service on a Minor/Incapped)
Electronic service under the Courts and Courts Service (Electronic) Act
May require a different declaration
✓ Verify if electronic service is permitted for your case.
Deadline or filing window
File the affidavit as soon as possible after service; delays can pause the proceeding.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all required fields in block capitals as instructed.
- 2Attach a true copy of the document that was served.
- 3Include a signed oath or affirmation from the deponent.
- 4Provide the date and location of service in the prescribed format.
- 5Ensure the deponent’s name, address, and occupation are fully entered.
- 6Sign the affidavit in the presence of a Commissioner for Oaths or solicitor.
- 7Attach any supporting evidence (e.g., delivery receipt, acknowledgment).
- 8Check that the form is printed on A4 paper and legible.
- 9Confirm the correct filing fee (if applicable) is prepared.
- 10Prepare a cover letter referencing the case number and purpose of filing.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare the affidavit by completing Form 55D and gathering supporting documents.
- 2Have the deponent sign the affidavit before a Commissioner for Oaths or solicitor.
- 3Make two copies: one for the court file and one for the party served.
- 4File the original affidavit and supporting documents at the appropriate District Court or Circuit Court registry.
- 5Pay any required filing fee at the time of submission.
- 6Obtain a stamped copy of the filed affidavit for your records.
- 7Notify the other party or their legal representative that the affidavit has been filed.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not cover electronic service; a different declaration may be needed.
- 2Only applicable where the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015 is the governing legislation.
- 3Requires a sworn oath; informal service without oath will not satisfy the form’s purpose.
- 4No guidance on service outside Ireland; additional jurisdictional rules may apply.
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 55D is an active affidavit used by the Courts Service of Ireland to prove service on a relevant person under the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015. No official source is publicly available, and no recent amendments have been announced.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header still reads “Form 55D – Affidavit of Service on a relevant person: Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015”.
- Check that the affidavit wording matches the latest statutory language of the 2015 Act.
- Verify that any reference to the court’s seal or signature block has not been altered.
- Ensure the space for the deponent’s oath and signature is present and correctly labelled.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 08/04/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user‑provided description.
- SRCPurpose inferred from the title referencing the Assisted Decision‑Making (Capacity) Act 2015.
- SRCNo official source available; all specifics marked as not confirmed where uncertain.
- SRCGeneral court filing procedures based on standard Irish court practice.
- SRCRequirement for a Commissioner for Oaths derived from typical affidavit rules in Ireland.
- SRCFiling fee mention is generic; exact amount not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form 55D with the generic Form 55 – the former is specific to the Capacity Act.
Leaving the deponent’s occupation blank, which the form expects.
Failing to attach a true copy of the served document, making the affidavit incomplete.
Using an electronic signature instead of a wet signature before a Commissioner for Oaths.
Submitting the form to the wrong court registry (e.g., District Court vs. Circuit Court).
Assuming the same form can be used for a person with a power of attorney – a different form may be required.
Not noting the exact location where service took place, which is a mandatory detail.
Overlooking the need for a filing fee, leading to rejection at the registry.
Source transparency
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