Official form guide
Form No.2 Petition (General Form)
Form No.2 Petition (General Form) is a standard court document used to start a legal proceeding in the Irish courts. It is filed when you want the court to consider a claim, application or request for an order.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.2 Petition (General Form)
Form No.2 Petition (General Form) is a standard court document used to start a legal proceeding in the Irish courts. It is filed when you want the court to consider a claim, application or request for an order.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the petition before filing.
- 2Missing signature or witness
- 3Incorrect court jurisdiction selected
- 4Omitting required supporting documents
- 5Filing after the limitation deadline
Plain English
Think of this as the first paper you hand to the court to ask for a decision. Whether it’s about debt, family matters or another civil issue, you fill this out to tell the judge what you need. The form sets out the basics of your case and triggers the court process.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no set court deadline for filing a petition, but you must file before any statutory limitation period for your claim expires.
- 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
- Use for starting a new civil claim in District or Circuit Court.
- Use for family law applications such as divorce or child custody.
- Use when no specialised petition form exists for your matter.
- Do not use for criminal matters or appeals – separate forms apply.
- Select this form when the court requires a written statement of the relief sought.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bankruptcy
Specific to insolvent estates
✓ Verify insolvency criteria first
Divorce
Dedicated family law format
✓ Use if both spouses agree to divorce
Injunction
Requests for interim orders
✓ Confirm urgency and service rules
Form No.15 Injunction Application
Deadline or filing window
There is no set court deadline for filing a petition, but you must file before any statutory limitation period for your claim expires.
Before you submit
- 1All parties’ names and addresses are correct.
- 2Correct court (District, Circuit, High) is selected.
- 3Petition is signed and, if required, witnessed.
- 4Supporting documents are attached and labelled.
- 5Filing fee paid and receipt attached.
- 6Form is legible or fully typed.
- 7Copy of the completed form retained for records.
- 8If filing online, confirmation email saved.
- 9Check that the correct number of copies are prepared.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No.2 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete the form in full, typing where possible.
- 3Gather and label all required supporting documents.
- 4Pay the applicable filing fee at the court or online.
- 5Submit the form and documents in person, by post, or via e‑filing.
- 6Obtain and keep the filing receipt or electronic confirmation.
- 7Serve copies on the other parties as required by court rules.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover specialised matters such as bankruptcy or probate.
- 2Only accepts paper signatures; electronic signatures are not accepted in all courts.
- 3Limited to civil and family jurisdictions – not valid for criminal cases.
- 4No built‑in validation for statutory time‑limits – user must check separately.
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.2 is the current general petition template as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the latest revision date.
- Confirm the fee schedule on the Courts Service website.
- Verify that the e‑filing portal accepts the PDF version.
- Ensure any referenced statutory time‑limits are up to date.
- Review the witness signature block for any new requirements.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service of Ireland listings.
- SRCGeneral purpose inferred from typical use of a "Petition" in Irish courts.
- SRCFiling locations (registry, post, e‑filing) based on standard Courts Service procedures.
- SRCFee and witness requirements noted as common practice, not confirmed in official source.
- SRCLimitation period advice derived from general Irish civil procedure rules, not specific to this form.
Common confusion points
Choosing the wrong court level (District vs Circuit).
Unclear whether a separate specialised form is required.
Whether a witness is needed for the signature.
How much fee to pay for different court tiers.
Timing for serving the petition on the other side.
Differences between paper filing and e‑filing requirements.
What counts as sufficient supporting documentation.
Source transparency
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