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No.13 Petition by a Debtor to Be Adjudicated a Bankrupt

Form No.13 is a petition that a debtor files to ask the High Court to be adjudicated bankrupt. Use it when you want to voluntarily start personal bankruptcy proceedings in Ireland.

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Form Overview

No.13 Petition by a Debtor to Be Adjudicated a Bankrupt

Form No.13 is a petition that a debtor files to ask the High Court to be adjudicated bankrupt. Use it when you want to voluntarily start personal bankruptcy proceedings in Ireland.

The form captures personal details, a list of debts, assets, income, and a declaration that you are insolvent and wish to be declared bankrupt.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the statutory declaration.
  • Leaving out a debt or asset
  • Incorrect or missing signatures
  • Failing to attach the statutory declaration
  • Submitting the wrong version of the form

Plain English

If you are overwhelmed by debts and want the court to declare you bankrupt, you fill out this form. It tells the court why you cannot pay and asks for a bankruptcy order.

Submission Date

  • There is no fixed filing deadline, but the petition should be lodged promptly after deciding on bankruptcy to avoid further creditor action.
  • 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

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What this form is for

  • When you, the debtor, want to initiate personal bankruptcy.
  • When you have no viable repayment plan and creditors are pursuing you.
  • When you need a court order to discharge debts and protect assets.
  • Instead of a creditor’s petition (Form No.12), which is filed by a creditor, not the debtor.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Creditor wants you bankruptForm No.12 Petition by a CreditorCreditor‑initiated bankruptcyVerify who is filing
Company liquidation neededForm B1 (Company)Corporate winding‑upUse CRO forms
Debt restructuring without bankruptcyDebt Settlement AgreementNo court order neededConsider mediation first

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed filing deadline, but the petition should be lodged promptly after deciding on bankruptcy to avoid further creditor action.

Before you submit

  • All personal details are legible and match official ID.
  • Complete list of all creditors with amounts owed.
  • Accurate valuation of assets and liabilities.
  • Statutory declaration signed and witnessed.
  • Filing fee paid and receipt attached.
  • Form signed in the designated places.
  • All required schedules attached.
  • Copy of the form retained for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Collect debt statements, asset valuations, and income records.
  2. 2Fill out Form No.13 on paper or via the e‑filing portal.
  3. 3Prepare and sign the statutory declaration with a solicitor or commissioner for oaths.
  4. 4Pay the filing fee and obtain a receipt.
  5. 5Submit the form and all attachments to the High Court Registry.
  6. 6Obtain the court’s acknowledgement of receipt.
  7. 7Await the court hearing date for the bankruptcy order.

Known limitations

  • Form is only for personal bankruptcy, not corporate insolvency.
  • Only accepts Irish‑resident debtors.
  • Electronic filing may not be available for all districts.
  • The form does not include a built‑in checklist; users must add their own.

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Current Form Status

Form No.13 is the current version used by the Courts Service as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
  • Confirm the filing fee amount on the Courts Service fee schedule.
  • Verify that the statutory declaration wording matches the latest template.
  • Ensure any attached schedules use the current numbering format.

Quick Facts

Only the individual debtor (or a trustee on their behalf) can lodge this petition.
The form captures personal details, a list of debts, assets, income, and a declaration that you are insolvent and wish to be declared bankrupt.
File the petition as soon as you have decided to pursue bankruptcy; there is no statutory deadline, but delays can increase costs.
Submit the completed form to the High Court Registry either in person, by post, or via the Courts Service e-filing portal where available.
Accurate, complete information avoids the court refusing the petition, which would leave you exposed to creditor actions and extra fees.
1. Gather recent statements of all debts, assets, and income. 2. Complete the form in black ink or electronically, signing where required. 3. Attach supporting schedules and a statutory declaration. 4. Pay the filing fee (check the current amount on the Courts Service website). 5. Deliver the package to the High Court Registry or upload it through the e‑filing system.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
28/01/26

No.13 Petition by a Debtor to Be Adjudicated a Bankrupt

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After you file

  • Attend the bankruptcy hearing on the date set by the court.
  • Provide any additional documents the court requests.
  • Co‑operate with the appointed Official Assignee.
  • Notify creditors of the court order.
  • Comply with any restrictions on credit during the bankruptcy period.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number from Courts Service catalogue – not confirmed in official source
  • Purpose (debtor‑initiated bankruptcy) inferred from form name – not confirmed in official source
  • Filing location (High Court Registry) based on typical practice for bankruptcy petitions – not confirmed in official source
  • Fee requirement inferred from standard court filing procedures – not confirmed in official source
  • Statutory declaration requirement typical for bankruptcy petitions – not confirmed in official source
  • Electronic filing availability assumed from Courts Service e‑filing service – not confirmed in official source

Common confusion points

6 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up Form No.13 (debtor petition) with Form No.12 (creditor petition).

  • 2

    Leaving out small debts that still need to be listed.

  • 3

    Using an outdated version of the form.

  • 4

    Not having a qualified witness for the statutory declaration.

  • 5

    Assuming the filing fee is optional.

  • 6

    Submitting the form to the wrong court office.

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