Official form guide
Form 55J - Statement of Undertaking by Decision Making Representative: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Form 55J is a statement of undertaking required for decision-making representatives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It outlines the representative's responsibilities and commitments when acting on behalf of someone with reduced decision-making capacity.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 55J - Statement of Undertaking by Decision Making Representative: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
Form 55J is a statement of undertaking required for decision-making representatives under the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015. It outlines the representative's responsibilities and commitments when acting on behalf of someone with reduced decision-making capacity.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Most representatives fail to keep adequate records of decisions made on behalf of the person.
- 2Incomplete form may delay your appointment as a representative
- 3Missing signatures or witness details can invalidate the form
- 4Incorrect information about the person you're representing may cause legal issues
- 5Not understanding your responsibilities as a representative
Plain English
This form is a promise that you'll act in someone's best interests if you're making decisions for them. It's part of Ireland's updated approach to supporting people who need help with decisions.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no specific deadline mentioned, but the form should be submitted promptly after appointment as a representative to avoid delays in decision-making processes.
- 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 when appointed as a decision-making representative
- Required before making decisions on behalf of another person
- Not needed for healthcare decisions covered separately
- Distinct from other capacity-related forms like Form 55A
- Required even if decisions are informal
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Guardianship application under old legislation
Different legal framework with different powers
✓ Check if the person has capacity under the new Act
Healthcare representative application
Specific to healthcare decisions only
✓ Verify if healthcare decisions are the only concern
Enduring power of attorney
Different legal instrument created before the Act
✓ Check when the power of attorney was created
Application to review decision-making arrangement
For challenging existing arrangements
✓ Determine if review is needed before applying
Notification of decision-making representative
For informing others of the arrangement
✓ Complete this after Form 55J is approved
Deadline or filing window
There is no specific deadline mentioned, but the form should be submitted promptly after appointment as a representative to avoid delays in decision-making processes.
Before you submit
- 1All sections completed accurately
- 2Personal details of both representative and person represented
- 3Signatures from both representative and witness
- 4Date of signing included
- 5Contact information up to date
- 6Any required supporting documentation included
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct Form 55J from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information
- 3Sign the form in the presence of an independent witness
- 4Gather any required supporting documentation
- 5Submit to the appropriate court office or designated portal
- 6Keep a copy for your records
- 7Notify relevant parties of your appointment
Known limitations
- 1This form doesn't grant specific decision-making powers
- 2It doesn't replace healthcare-specific forms
- 3Not applicable to all types of decision-making arrangements
- 4Doesn't address financial management separately
- 5May need additional forms for specific decision types
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 form is part of Ireland's modern capacity legislation replacing older guardianship arrangements.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm you have the latest version of Form 55J
- Check for any updates to the list of representative responsibilities
- Verify witness requirements haven't changed
- Ensure submission process matches current procedures
- Check if digital submission is now available
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 18/12/25
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm number and name confirmed from provided information
- SRCIssuing agency confirmed as Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCRelated to Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
- SRCPurpose inferred from title and Act name
- SRCSubmission process not confirmed in official source
- SRCSpecific deadlines not confirmed in official source
- SRCDigital submission availability not confirmed in official source
- SRCWitness requirements not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with healthcare-specific forms
Not understanding the difference between representative and advocate roles
Assuming the form grants all decision-making powers
Not realizing record-keeping requirements
Confusing this with older guardianship forms
Misunderstanding when the form needs to be submitted
Not knowing who can act as a witness
Assuming digital submission is available
Source transparency
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