Official form guide
Form No.18 Notice of Change of Solicitor
Form No.18 Notice of Change of Solicitor is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to inform the court that a party’s legal representation is being changed. It is required whenever a solicitor is replaced or added in an ongoing court matter.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.18 Notice of Change of Solicitor
Form No.18 Notice of Change of Solicitor is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to inform the court that a party’s legal representation is being changed. It is required whenever a solicitor is replaced or added in an ongoing court matter.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting the new solicitor’s practising certificate.
- 2Leaving the declaration unsigned
- 3Omitting the practising certificate of the new solicitor
- 4Sending the form to the wrong court registry
- 5Filing after a filing deadline has passed
Plain English
If you’ve hired a new solicitor or your current solicitor is stepping down, you must tell the court using this form. It tells the judge who is now handling your case so all future papers go to the right person.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The notice should be filed before any further pleadings are served in the case, typically at least 5 working days before the next court 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
- When you replace your current solicitor in an ongoing case.
- When you add a co‑solicitor to represent you.
- When a solicitor withdraws and you need to confirm the change formally.
- When the court specifically requests a notice of change.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Changing address only
Only address details needed, not solicitor change
✓ Verify you are not also changing solicitors
Form No.12 (Notice of Change of Address)
Changing party name
Different purpose – name change, not representation
✓ Use Form No.18 for solicitor changes
Form No.20 (Notice of Change of Party)
Stopping representation without replacement
No new solicitor to notify
✓ Ensure you still have a solicitor or represent yourself
Form No.19 (Notice of Withdrawal of Solicitor)
Deadline or filing window
The notice should be filed before any further pleadings are served in the case, typically at least 5 working days before the next court date.
Before you submit
- 1Case number entered correctly.
- 2Outgoing solicitor’s full name and address provided.
- 3Incoming solicitor’s full name, address, and practising certificate attached.
- 4Declaration signed by the new solicitor.
- 5Form dated today’s date.
- 6Copy of the new solicitor’s practising certificate attached.
- 7Correct court registry address or e‑filing portal selected.
- 8All required signatures present.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No.18 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete all fields in clear black ink or via the PDF editor.
- 3Have the incoming solicitor sign the declaration.
- 4Attach the practising certificate copy.
- 5Submit to the court registry in person, by post, or via e‑filing.
- 6Obtain a receipt or confirmation email.
- 7Keep a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form not accepted for electronic filing in all courts – check local registry.
- 2Only one change of solicitor per submission; multiple changes need separate forms.
- 3No provision for temporary or ad‑hoc representation.
- 4Practising certificate must be current; expired certificates cause rejection.
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) and remains in active use. No recent amendments have been published.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the court registry field matches the court handling your case.
- Verify the declaration wording matches the current version.
- Ensure the signature block includes space for the new solicitor’s signature.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number from Courts Service of Ireland publication list.
- SRCPurpose inferred from form titlenotice of change of solicitor.
- SRCSubmission methods based on typical Courts Service e‑filing options.
- SRCDeadlines inferred from standard court practicenotice before next filing.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact number of days before a hearing required.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: availability of e‑filing for every court.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No.12 (address change) with Form No.18 (solicitor change).
Leaving the practising certificate attachment out.
Signing the declaration yourself instead of the new solicitor.
Submitting to the wrong court registry.
Using an older PDF template that lacks the latest declaration wording.
Assuming e‑filing is available for all courts.
Source transparency
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