No.12 Affidavit of Debt

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.

Use this form or another form?

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

• • Creditor and debtor details are complete and accurate.
• • Amount owed is clearly stated and matches attached invoices.
• • All supporting documents are attached and labelled.
• • Form is signed and sworn before a commissioner for oaths.
• • Commissioner’s signature, stamp and date are present.
• • Correct number of copies prepared.
• • Cover letter (if required) includes case reference.
• • Submission method (in‑person, post, online) matches court requirements.
• • Receipt or acknowledgment obtained after filing.

How to file this form

1. 1Download the latest Form No.12 from courts.ie.
2. 2Complete the form in black ink, legibly.
3. 3Gather invoices, contracts, and any other proof of debt.
4. 4Visit a commissioner for oaths to sign and have the form sworn.
5. 5Make a duplicate copy for your records.
6. 6Deliver the original to the appropriate court registry.
7. 7Obtain and retain the filing receipt or electronic confirmation.

Known limitations

• • Only suitable for civil debt claims; not for tax or social welfare debts.
• • Does not itself enforce payment – a judgment or order is still required.
• • Must be filed in the court with jurisdiction over the debtor’s address.
• • Not accepted if the amount exceeds the court’s monetary limit without additional documentation.