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Form 9A – Notice of Motion for Judgment by Default of Appearance

Form 9A is a legal notice used to request a default judgment when a defendant has failed to appear in court proceedings. This form is typically used after you've issued proceedings against someone and they haven't responded or appeared in court.

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Form Overview

Form 9A – Notice of Motion for Judgment by Default of Appearance

Form 9A is a legal notice used to request a default judgment when a defendant has failed to appear in court proceedings. This form is typically used after you've issued proceedings against someone and they haven't responded or appeared in court.

The form captures details about the case, the parties involved, the relief sought, and confirms that the defendant was properly served with the initial proceedings but failed to appear.

Risk Radar

  • Failure to properly prove service on the defendant is the most common reason default judgment applications are rejected.
  • Incorrect completion of the form leading to rejection
  • Failure to demonstrate proper service on the defendant
  • Missing the applicable time window for applying
  • Insufficient supporting documentation

Plain English

This form helps you get a court ruling against someone who isn't responding to your legal case. It's like telling the judge 'the other side hasn't shown up, so please rule in my favor.' You'll need to show that you properly notified the other party about the case.

Submission Date

  • Applications for default judgment must typically be made within 6 months of the defendant's failure to appear, though this timeframe may vary depending on the specific court rules and type of proceedings.
  • 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

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • Use this form when the defendant has failed to file an appearance or defense
  • Use when you've properly served the defendant with the initial proceedings
  • Use when the response period has expired without any action from the defendant
  • Use for most civil cases where default judgment is appropriate
  • Don't use if the defendant has filed an appearance but not a defense

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Defendant filed appearance but no defenseForm 10A - Notice of Motion for Judgment on the PleadingsDifferent procedure needed when defendant has appearedCheck if the defendant has formally entered an appearance
Need to strike out defenseForm 13 - Notice of Motion to Strike OutUsed when defense is frivolous or vexatiousVerify the nature of the defense before proceeding
Enforcement of judgmentForm 78 - Enforcement of JudgmentSeparate process after obtaining judgmentConfirm you have a judgment before using this form
Interlocutory applicationForm 8 - Notice of MotionFor applications during proceedingsCheck if your application is interlocutory or final

Deadline or filing window

Applications for default judgment must typically be made within 6 months of the defendant's failure to appear, though this timeframe may vary depending on the specific court rules and type of proceedings.

Before you submit

  • Verify all sections of the form are completed
  • Confirm proper service on the defendant
  • Check that the defendant hasn't filed an appearance
  • Attach proof of service documents
  • Verify correct court fee payment
  • Ensure all parties' details are accurate
  • Check that the relief sought is appropriate for the case
  • Confirm you're filing with the correct court office

How to file this form

  1. 1Complete all sections of Form 9A with accurate information
  2. 2Prepare supporting documents including proof of service
  3. 3Calculate and pay the appropriate court fee
  4. 4File the form with the relevant court office
  5. 5Serve a copy on the defendant's last known address
  6. 6Keep a copy of the filed form and proof of service
  7. 7Attend any scheduled hearing if required by the court

Known limitations

  • Cannot be used if the defendant has filed an appearance
  • May not be appropriate for certain types of proceedings like family law cases
  • The court may refuse to grant default judgment in specific circumstances
  • Limited relief available compared to contested proceedings

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Current Form Status

Form 9A is currently in use and should be the most up-to-date version available from the Courts Service website. Always check for any recent updates before filing.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Verify current version number on the Courts Service website
  • Check for any recent changes in court fees
  • Confirm service requirements haven't changed
  • Ensure formatting requirements are still current
  • Check if electronic filing options have been updated

Quick Facts

This form should be filed by the plaintiff or their legal representative when a defendant has failed to appear in court proceedings after being properly served.
The form captures details about the case, the parties involved, the relief sought, and confirms that the defendant was properly served with the initial proceedings but failed to appear.
This form should be submitted after the defendant has failed to appear in court and any applicable response period has expired. Timing may vary depending on the specific court rules and type of proceedings.
The form should be filed with the relevant court office where the proceedings were initiated. Some courts may accept electronic submissions through the Courts Service portal, while others may require physical submission in person or by post.
Submitting this form correctly ensures you can obtain a judgment efficiently. Errors or delays could result in dismissal of your application, loss of costs, or need to restart the process, potentially delaying resolution of your case.
Complete all sections of the form with accurate information about your case and the defendant's failure to appear. Attach any supporting documents like proof of service. File the form with the appropriate court office and pay any required fees. Consider serving a copy on the defendant's legal representative if applicable.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
12/08/25

Form 9A – Notice of Motion for Judgment by Default of Appearance

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After you file

  • Wait for court processing (typically 2-4 weeks)
  • Attend any hearing if the court schedules one
  • Follow up if you don't receive a response within 6 weeks
  • Once judgment is granted, obtain a certified copy
  • Consider next steps for enforcement if necessary
  • Keep all documentation related to the judgment

Source and verification log

  • Form 9A is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland
  • Used for obtaining default judgment in civil proceedings
  • Requires proof of proper service on the defendant
  • Must be filed with the court that has jurisdiction over the case
  • Court fees apply and vary by case type
  • Not confirmed in official source: specific time limits for filing
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact procedure for serving the form
  • Not confirmed in official source: whether electronic filing is available

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Confusing the time limits for filing

  • 2

    Uncertainty about what constitutes proper service

  • 3

    Not knowing whether the defendant has filed an appearance

  • 4

    Misunderstanding what relief can be sought

  • 5

    Confusion about court fee requirements

  • 6

    Uncertainty about whether a hearing will be required

  • 7

    Not knowing how to enforce the judgment once obtained

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