Official form guide
Form No.12 Affidavit of Debt
Form No.12 Affidavit of Debt is a sworn statement used in the Courts Service of Ireland to assert that a specific amount of money is owed by another party. It is typically filed in civil proceedings where a creditor seeks a judgment for payment.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.12 Affidavit of Debt
Form No.12 Affidavit of Debt is a sworn statement used in the Courts Service of Ireland to assert that a specific amount of money is owed by another party. It is typically filed in civil proceedings where a creditor seeks a judgment for payment.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to have the affidavit sworn before a commissioner for oaths.
- 2Incorrect debtor name or address
- 3Leaving the amount owed blank or mis‑typed
- 4Failing to attach supporting documents
- 5Not having the affidavit sworn before a commissioner
Plain English
Think of this as a written, notarised claim that someone owes you money. You fill it out, sign it in front of a commissioner for oaths, and lodge it with the court to start or support a debt recovery case.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing promptly avoids limitation periods (typically 6 years for contractual debts) and prevents the debtor from raising a defence of delay.
- 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
- When you need a sworn statement of a specific monetary claim.
- To support a summons for debt recovery in civil court.
- When the court specifically requests an Affidavit of Debt.
- Instead of a simple letter of demand, when legal enforcement is required.
- For both personal and corporate creditors.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Small claim under €2,000
Simpler, no affidavit needed
✓ Verify claim amount before choosing
Bankruptcy petition
Whole‑person insolvency, not just a single debt
✓ Use only if you intend to file for bankruptcy
Statutory demand not honoured
Pre‑court pressure tool
✓ Only if debt is undisputed and over €2,000
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing promptly avoids limitation periods (typically 6 years for contractual debts) and prevents the debtor from raising a defence of delay.
Before you submit
- 1Creditor and debtor details are complete and accurate.
- 2Amount owed is clearly stated and matches attached invoices.
- 3All supporting documents are attached and labelled.
- 4Form is signed and sworn before a commissioner for oaths.
- 5Commissioner’s signature, stamp and date are present.
- 6Correct number of copies prepared.
- 7Cover letter (if required) includes case reference.
- 8Submission method (in‑person, post, online) matches court requirements.
- 9Receipt or acknowledgment obtained after filing.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No.12 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete the form in black ink, legibly.
- 3Gather invoices, contracts, and any other proof of debt.
- 4Visit a commissioner for oaths to sign and have the form sworn.
- 5Make a duplicate copy for your records.
- 6Deliver the original to the appropriate court registry.
- 7Obtain and retain the filing receipt or electronic confirmation.
Known limitations
- 1Only suitable for civil debt claims; not for tax or social welfare debts.
- 2Does not itself enforce payment – a judgment or order is still required.
- 3Must be filed in the court with jurisdiction over the debtor’s address.
- 4Not accepted if the amount exceeds the court’s monetary limit without additional documentation.
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.
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Fillable formOpen in Editor->Form No.12 Affidavit of Debt is currently the latest version (as of 2024). No recent amendments have been announced, but always verify the version on the Courts Service site before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the latest revision date.
- Confirm the required number of copies (usually 2 originals).
- Verify that the signature line includes space for the commissioner’s stamp.
- Ensure any referenced schedule (e.g., Schedule of Debt) matches the current template.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service of Ireland website.
- SRCGeneral purpose inferred from form name "Affidavit of Debt".
- SRCSubmission methods based on typical Courts Service filing channels.
- SRCStatute of limitations reference based on Irish civil law (6 years).
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact number of copies required.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific online portal URL.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No.12 with Form No.5 (general claim form).
Leaving the affidavit unsigned or not sworn.
Submitting to the wrong court level (District vs Circuit).
Failing to attach the original invoices, leading to a request for further evidence.
Using the form for tax debts, which require Revenue forms.
Not noting the correct statute of limitations for the debt.
Source transparency
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