Official form guide
Form No.20 Notice of Sitting for Distribution of Estate and of Filing of Documents
This form is used to notify the court about a sitting for the distribution of an estate and to file related documents. It is typically used in probate proceedings when an executor or administrator needs to distribute assets to beneficiaries.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.20 Notice of Sitting for Distribution of Estate and of Filing of Documents
This form is used to notify the court about a sitting for the distribution of an estate and to file related documents. It is typically used in probate proceedings when an executor or administrator needs to distribute assets to beneficiaries.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Ensure all beneficiaries are properly notified of the distribution sitting to avoid legal challenges.
- 2Incorrect sitting date may prevent proper beneficiary notification
- 3Missing documentation could delay estate distribution
- 4Failure to notify all beneficiaries may lead to legal challenges
- 5Incomplete form details may result in court rejection
Plain English
This form tells the court when you'll be meeting to share out the assets from someone's estate. You'll also use it to file important papers related to how the estate will be divided. This is part of the process of officially handling someone's property after they've passed away.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Submit this form sufficiently before the scheduled distribution sitting, typically at least 21 days prior. Deadlines may vary based on specific court directions or the complexity of the estate.
- 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 scheduling a court sitting to distribute estate assets
- Required when filing documents related to estate distribution
- Necessary for formal notification of beneficiaries about distribution proceedings
- Essential for completing the probate process after grant of representation
- Not used for initial probate application (use Form 1 instead)
- Not for challenging the validity of a will (use Form 21 instead)
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Initial probate application
First step in estate administration
✓ Check if you need grant of representation first
Applying for resealing of grant
For estates involving assets in other jurisdictions
✓ Confirm if assets are held abroad
Challenging a will's validity
When disputing the contents of a will
✓ Consider seeking legal advice first
Applying for executor's commission
When requesting payment for executor services
✓ Check if this applies to your situation
Deadline or filing window
Submit this form sufficiently before the scheduled distribution sitting, typically at least 21 days prior. Deadlines may vary based on specific court directions or the complexity of the estate.
Before you submit
- 1Form is fully completed with all required fields
- 2All beneficiary details are accurately included
- 3Sitting date, time, and location are clearly specified
- 4All supporting documents are attached
- 5Form is signed by the executor or administrator
- 6Court fees are paid if required
- 7A copy is retained for your records
- 8Form is submitted to the correct court office
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct Form No.20 from the Courts Service website or court office
- 2Complete all sections with accurate estate and beneficiary information
- 3Prepare any required supporting documents for estate distribution
- 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office
- 5Pay any required court fees
- 6Keep a copy of the submitted form and any acknowledgment
- 7Notify all beneficiaries about the scheduled sitting
Known limitations
- 1This form does not replace the need for proper asset valuation
- 2It does not exempt from inheritance tax obligations
- 3Submitting this form does not guarantee court approval of distribution
- 4The form may not be suitable for complex estates with multiple jurisdictions
- 5Electronic submission options may be limited depending on the court
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->This form is actively used in Irish probate proceedings; however, always verify with the latest court guidelines. Not confirmed if there have been recent changes to this form's requirements.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify current court fees for submitting this form
- Check if electronic submission is now accepted for this form
- Confirm if beneficiary notification requirements have changed
- Ensure you're using the most recent version of the form
- Review if COVID-19 related procedural changes still apply
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCUsed for notifying court of estate distribution sitting
- SRCRequired for filing related estate distribution documents
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific submission methods
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: current court fees
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact timing requirements
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: electronic submission options
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: recent form updates or changes
Common confusion points
Confusing this form with the initial probate application (Form 1)
Uncertainty about who qualifies as a beneficiary for notification
Not understanding the difference between distribution and final accounts
Mistaking this for a form to challenge a will's validity
Unclear about whether executor's commission needs to be claimed separately
Confusion about court fees and payment methods
Not realizing this form may need to be updated if sitting details change
Uncertainty about document requirements for different estate types
Source transparency
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