Official form guide
Form No. 1 Default of Appearance or Defence in Case of Liquidated Demand
This form is used when a defendant has failed to appear in court or provide a defense in a case involving a liquidated demand (a fixed monetary amount). It's typically initiated by a plaintiff seeking judgment against a non-responsive defendant.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 1 Default of Appearance or Defence in Case of Liquidated Demand
This form is used when a defendant has failed to appear in court or provide a defense in a case involving a liquidated demand (a fixed monetary amount). It's typically initiated by a plaintiff seeking judgment against a non-responsive defendant.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing too late after the defendant's default, which can result in losing your right to judgment.
- 2Missing the deadline for filing after the defendant's default
- 3Incorrectly calculating the claimed amount
- 4Failing to properly serve the original summons on the defendant
- 5Not including all necessary supporting documentation
Plain English
If someone owes you a specific, agreed-upon amount of money and they haven't responded to your court claim, this form helps you get a court ruling against them. It's a straightforward legal process for when the other side simply doesn't show up or defend themselves.
Submission Date
- Filing date: You must file this form within the timeframe specified in the court rules after the defendant's failure to appear or defend, typically within a specific number of days from the return date.
- 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 the defendant has failed to appear in court
- Use when the defendant has failed to file a defense within the required timeframe
- Only applies to cases involving liquidated demands (fixed monetary amounts)
- Not for use in undefended cases involving non-monetary claims
- Not for use in cases where the defendant has appeared but denies the claim
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Defendant appears but denies the claim
Different procedure when defense is filed
✓ Check if defendant has filed any response before continuing
Form 10 (Plaintiffs Reply to Defence)
Claim involves non-monetary relief
Different legal requirements
✓ Verify your claim type matches the correct form
Multiple defendants with different responses
Complex litigation requires special handling
✓ Consult with court staff about multi-defendant procedures
Claim amount exceeds court limits
Different jurisdiction and procedures
✓ Confirm the monetary threshold for the appropriate court
Defendant is a company or public body
Different legal procedures
✓ Verify correct service method for corporate entities
Deadline or filing window
You must file this form within the timeframe specified in the court rules after the defendant's failure to appear or defend, typically within a specific number of days from the return date.
Before you submit
- 1Form is fully completed with all required sections
- 2All defendant and plaintiff information is accurate
- 3Claim amount matches the original demand
- 4Supporting evidence is attached
- 5Court fee is paid if required
- 6Form is signed and dated
- 7Copy is retained for your records
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct version of Form No. 1 from the Courts Service
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information
- 3Prepare supporting documentation proving the debt
- 4File the completed form at the appropriate court office
- 5Pay any required court fee
- 6Obtain a filing receipt as proof of submission
- 7Serve a copy on the defendant according to court rules
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies to liquidated monetary claims
- 2Cannot be used if the defendant has filed any defense
- 3Does not apply to family law or criminal matters
- 4May not be appropriate for claims against certain government bodies
- 5Does not address interest or additional costs unless specifically claimed
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 current as of the latest Courts Service of Ireland publications, but always verify the version number before filing as court procedures may change.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form version number matches current court requirements
- Verify court fees have not changed since the last update
- Confirm service procedures haven't been modified
- Check if electronic filing options have been added or changed
- Ensure plaintiff details section hasn't been updated
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 22/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCIssuing agency: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCPurpose: For default judgments in liquidated demand cases
- SRCFiling location: Appropriate court office
- SRCElectronic filing: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCCurrent validity: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCFee requirements: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCSpecific deadlines: Not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with other claim forms
Uncertainty about the correct court to file in
Misunderstanding the timeframe after defendant's default
Confusion about proper service requirements
Uncertainty about whether to include interest or costs
Difficulty determining if the claim qualifies as a liquidated demand
Confusion about post-judgment procedures
Source transparency
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