Official form guide
Form No.18 Declaration, by Relative of Ward Dying Intestate, for the Purpose of Securing Payment, Without Taking out a Grant of Administration, of the Residue of Funds in Court
Form No.18 is a declaration made by a relative of a ward who has died intestate (without a will). It is used to secure payment of the remaining court‑held funds without first applying for a Grant of Administration.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.18 Declaration, by Relative of Ward Dying Intestate, for the Purpose of Securing Payment, Without Taking out a Grant of Administration, of the Residue of Funds in Court
Form No.18 is a declaration made by a relative of a ward who has died intestate (without a will). It is used to secure payment of the remaining court‑held funds without first applying for a Grant of Administration.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to have the declaration witnessed by an authorized official.
- 2Missing or illegible signature
- 3Failure to attach a certified death certificate
- 4Incorrect description of relationship
- 5Submitting to the wrong court registry
Plain English
If a family member who was under the court’s protection dies without leaving a will, a close relative can fill this form to claim any money left in the court’s account. The form lets you get the money straight away, bypassing the usual administration process.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no statutory deadline, but filing promptly after death avoids unnecessary delays and interest accrual on the residual funds.
- 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 the deceased was a ward of the court and died intestate.
- When you want to claim the remaining balance without a Grant of Administration.
- When the estate value is small and a full administration would be disproportionate.
- When you have clear proof of relationship and the court’s records show a residual fund.
- When you prefer a quicker, lower‑cost route to obtain the funds.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Estate value > €50,000
Full administration required for larger estates
✓ Verify estate value first
Form No.22 (Grant of Administration)
Deceased left a valid will
Executor can claim under the will
✓ Confirm will existence
Form No.19 (Executor’s Declaration)
No surviving relatives
Public Trustee may apply for the funds
✓ Check eligibility of public trustee
Form No.20 (Public Trustee Claim)
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory deadline, but filing promptly after death avoids unnecessary delays and interest accrual on the residual funds.
Before you submit
- 1Form completed in black ink.
- 2All required signatures are present.
- 3Witness signature and commission number recorded.
- 4Certified copy of death certificate attached.
- 5Proof of relationship (birth/marriage certificate) attached.
- 6Correct court registry address used.
- 7Enclosed any applicable filing fee.
- 8Copy of the form retained for personal records.
- 9Date of submission noted on the cover letter.
How to file this form
- 1Download or collect Form No.18.
- 2Gather supporting documents (death certificate, relationship proof).
- 3Complete the form and have it witnessed.
- 4Prepare a cover letter summarizing the claim.
- 5Post or deliver the package to the appropriate District Court Registry.
Known limitations
- 1Only applies to wards of the court; not for private individuals.
- 2Cannot be used if a Grant of Administration has already been applied for.
- 3Limited to the residual balance after any prior court orders.
- 4May be rejected if supporting documents are not certified.
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->Form No.18 is currently the latest version as of 2024. No recent amendments have been published, but always verify the version on the Courts Service website before use.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows the 2024 revision date.
- Check that the witness section includes space for a Commissioner for Oaths.
- Verify that the required attachments list includes a certified death certificate.
- Ensure the declaration wording matches the latest template.
- Review any updated fee schedule on the Courts Service site.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 26/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCPurpose inferred from form name (declaration, intestate, no grant).
- SRCSubmission methods based on typical Courts Service practice.
- SRCWitness requirements assumed from standard Irish legal forms.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact fee amount and online submission availability.
Common confusion points
Mixing up ‘ward of the court’ with a regular probate case.
Assuming the form also covers outstanding debts of the estate.
Believing a solicitor’s signature can replace a Commissioner for Oaths.
Using an uncertified copy of the death certificate.
Submitting the form to the Central Office instead of the local district court.
Leaving the witness section blank or incomplete.
Source transparency
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