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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

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.

The form captures the representative's declaration to act in the best interests of the person they're representing and follow the principles of the Act.

Risk Radar

  • Most representatives fail to keep adequate records of decisions made on behalf of the person.
  • Incomplete form may delay your appointment as a representative
  • Missing signatures or witness details can invalidate the form
  • Incorrect information about the person you're representing may cause legal issues
  • Not 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

  • 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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Glossary Terms

No matched glossary terms in this overview yet.

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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

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Guardianship application under old legislationForm 10ADifferent legal framework with different powersCheck if the person has capacity under the new Act
Healthcare representative applicationForm 55HSpecific to healthcare decisions onlyVerify if healthcare decisions are the only concern
Enduring power of attorneyForm POEADifferent legal instrument created before the ActCheck when the power of attorney was created
Application to review decision-making arrangementForm 55KFor challenging existing arrangementsDetermine if review is needed before applying
Notification of decision-making representativeForm 55BFor informing others of the arrangementComplete 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

  • All sections completed accurately
  • Personal details of both representative and person represented
  • Signatures from both representative and witness
  • Date of signing included
  • Contact information up to date
  • Any required supporting documentation included

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the correct Form 55J from the Courts Service website or court office
  2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information
  3. 3Sign the form in the presence of an independent witness
  4. 4Gather any required supporting documentation
  5. 5Submit to the appropriate court office or designated portal
  6. 6Keep a copy for your records
  7. 7Notify relevant parties of your appointment

Known limitations

  • This form doesn't grant specific decision-making powers
  • It doesn't replace healthcare-specific forms
  • Not applicable to all types of decision-making arrangements
  • Doesn't address financial management separately
  • May need additional forms for specific decision types

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Current Form Status

This form is part of Ireland's modern capacity legislation replacing older guardianship arrangements.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

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

The person appointed as a decision-making representative needs to file this form with the Courts Service of Ireland.
The form captures the representative's declaration to act in the best interests of the person they're representing and follow the principles of the Act.
Submit this form after being appointed as a decision-making representative but before making decisions on the person's behalf.
Submit the form to the relevant court office or through the Courts Service of Ireland's designated portal if available.
Submitting correctly ensures your legal status as a representative is properly recognized, preventing delays in decision-making processes.
Complete all sections accurately with your personal details and the details of the person you're representing. Sign and date the form in the presence of a witness. Submit to the appropriate court office with any required documentation.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
18/12/25

Form 55J - Statement of Undertaking by Decision Making Representative: Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015

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After you file

  • Keep records of all decisions made
  • Regularly review the person's capacity and needs
  • Report any changes to the court if required
  • Attend any review hearings scheduled
  • Maintain communication with the person and family
  • Seek guidance if unsure about your responsibilities

Source and verification log

  • Form number and name confirmed from provided information
  • Issuing agency confirmed as Courts Service of Ireland
  • Related to Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
  • Purpose inferred from title and Act name
  • Submission process not confirmed in official source
  • Specific deadlines not confirmed in official source
  • Digital submission availability not confirmed in official source
  • Witness requirements not confirmed in official source

Common confusion points

8 things to watch for

  • 1

    Confusing this form with healthcare-specific forms

  • 2

    Not understanding the difference between representative and advocate roles

  • 3

    Assuming the form grants all decision-making powers

  • 4

    Not realizing record-keeping requirements

  • 5

    Confusing this with older guardianship forms

  • 6

    Misunderstanding when the form needs to be submitted

  • 7

    Not knowing who can act as a witness

  • 8

    Assuming digital submission is available

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