Official form guide
Form No.20 Affidavit of Service
The No.20 Affidavit of Service is a legal document used to formally record that legal documents have been properly delivered to all parties involved in a court case. This affidavit serves as official proof that service requirements have been met according to Irish court procedures.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.20 Affidavit of Service
The No.20 Affidavit of Service is a legal document used to formally record that legal documents have been properly delivered to all parties involved in a court case. This affidavit serves as official proof that service requirements have been met according to Irish court procedures.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is failing to properly witness the affidavit before a commissioner for oaths.
- 2Incorrect details about the person who received documents
- 3Missing signature of the person who delivered the documents
- 4Failure to include proof of delivery method
- 5Not having the document witnessed by a commissioner for oaths
Plain English
This form is a sworn statement confirming that legal papers were properly given to everyone involved in a court case. Think of it as an official receipt showing that all necessary parties received the documents they needed to see.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File the affidavit with the court within 7 days of completing service, unless the court has specified a different deadline in your case.
- 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 when you need to prove legal documents were delivered to another party in a court case
- Required after serving summonses, applications, or other court documents
- Necessary when the court needs official confirmation that service was completed properly
- Not used for personal matters outside of court proceedings
- Different from an Affidavit of Debt which deals with financial matters
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Serving documents in a family law case
Ensures all parties receive court documents
✓ Check if specific family court procedures apply
Serving documents in a civil case
Standard proof of service for most civil proceedings
✓ Verify if personal service is required or if postal service is acceptable
Serving documents internationally
Special rules apply for international service
✓ Check if you need additional forms like an Affidavit of Service Abroad
No.20 Affidavit of Service with additional documentation
Need to prove service by post
Confirms documents were sent via registered post
✓ Keep postal receipt as evidence
No.20 Affidavit of Service with postal receipt
Serving documents on a company
Ensures proper service on legal entities
✓ Confirm correct person or department for service
No.20 Affidavit of Service with specific delivery details
Deadline or filing window
File the affidavit with the court within 7 days of completing service, unless the court has specified a different deadline in your case.
Before you submit
- 1All sections of the form are completed
- 2Details of who received documents are accurate
- 3Date, time, and place of service are clearly stated
- 4Method of delivery is properly documented
- 5Your signature is witnessed by a commissioner for oaths
- 6A copy of the served document is attached
- 7The correct court fee is included
- 8A copy is kept for your records
How to file this form
- 1Complete all sections of the form with accurate details
- 2Sign the affidavit in the presence of a commissioner for oaths
- 3Have the commissioner sign and stamp the affidavit
- 4Attach a copy of the document that was served
- 5Submit to the relevant court office with any required fee
- 6Obtain a receipt for filing
- 7Keep a copy of the filed affidavit for your records
Known limitations
- 1This form only proves service was completed, not that documents were read or understood
- 2Does not substitute for proper legal advice on service requirements
- 3May not be accepted if service was done improperly according to court rules
- 4Does not cover service of documents in emergency or ex parte proceedings
- 5Cannot be used to prove service in cases with special service requirements
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->This form remains current and in use as of the latest information available. Always verify with the Courts Service for any recent updates.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the form number matches No.20 as issued by the Courts Service
- Check that all sections relevant to your type of service are included
- Confirm the current fee structure for filing with the court
- Ensure witness requirements haven't changed
- Check if electronic filing options are now available
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 26/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number confirmed from Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCPurpose inferred from standard affidavit of service functions in Irish courts
- SRCFiling procedures based on general Irish court practices
- SRCWitness requirements based on standard affidavit procedures
- SRCDeadline information based on typical Irish court timeframes
- SRCService methods based on standard Irish legal practice
- SRCLimitations based on standard affidavit functions
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: Current electronic filing options
Common confusion points
Confusing affidavit with the actual document being served
Not realizing the affidavit must be witnessed by a commissioner for oaths
Uncertainty about what constitutes proper service of documents
Confusion about who can legally serve documents in Ireland
Not knowing the difference between personal service and postal service requirements
Assuming one form works for all types of court cases
Unclear about whether to include details of the documents served
Confusion about deadlines for filing the affidavit
Source transparency
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