Form 6A – Defence

What this form is for

• • Use this form when responding to a civil claim in the Circuit Court
• • Use this form when responding to a civil claim in the High Court
• • Use this form when responding to a family law case in the District Court
• • Use this form when responding to a personal injury claim
• • Do not use this form for criminal matters - different forms apply
• • Do not use this form for appeals - Form 6B would be appropriate

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

Defence forms must typically be submitted within 10-21 days of being served with the claim, depending on the court and type of case. Check the specific deadline in your court documents, as missing it can result in a default judgment against you.

Before you submit

• • Verify all defendant and plaintiff details are correct
• • Ensure the claim number is accurately recorded
• • Check that all points in the original claim are addressed
• • Confirm all supporting evidence is referenced or attached
• • Verify the form is signed and dated
• • Check if the court requires a filing fee
• • Keep a copy of the submitted form for your records
• • Confirm the correct court address for submission

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct Form 6A from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete all sections with accurate information about the claim and your response
3. 3Gather any supporting documents or evidence you plan to reference
4. 4Sign and date the completed form
5. 5Submit the form to the appropriate court office by the deadline
6. 6Pay any required filing fee
7. 7Keep a copy of your submission for your records

Known limitations

• • This form is for civil cases only, not criminal matters
• • The form does not provide legal advice - consider consulting a solicitor
• • Complex legal arguments may require additional documentation
• • The form has space limitations for detailed explanations
• • Electronic filing options may not be available for all court types