Official form guide
Form No. 21 Notice of Cross-Examination of Deponents at Trial
Form No. 21 is a Notice of Cross‑Examination of Deponents to be used at trial. It informs the court and the other parties which deponents you intend to cross‑examine.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 21 Notice of Cross-Examination of Deponents at Trial
Form No. 21 is a Notice of Cross‑Examination of Deponents to be used at trial. It informs the court and the other parties which deponents you intend to cross‑examine.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing the notice after the judge’s pre‑trial deadline.
- 2Missing the filing deadline
- 3Leaving out a deponent’s name or statement date
- 4Failing to serve a copy on the other side
- 5Signing the form incorrectly
Plain English
When you go to trial and want to question someone who has already given a statement, you file this notice. It tells everyone what you plan to ask so the judge can manage the hearing.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The notice must be filed within the time limit set by the judge’s pre‑trial directions, typically at least 7 days before trial.
- 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 plan to cross‑examine a deponent at trial.
- When the court has issued a pre‑trial timetable that requires a notice of cross‑examination.
- If you need to amend the list of deponents after the initial notice, you still use Form No. 21.
- For criminal trials, a different notice form is used.
- When the deponent’s original statement was given in writing or oral evidence.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
You need to add new deponents after the deadline
Allows changes after the original filing
✓ Verify the judge has granted an extension
Form No. 22 (Amendment to Notice)
Cross‑examination in a family law case
Family Court uses its own forms
✓ Check the court type before filing
Form No. 30 (Family Court Notice)
No cross‑examination – only direct examination
Direct examination is covered by the trial bundle
✓ Confirm you really need a notice
Deadline or filing window
The notice must be filed within the time limit set by the judge’s pre‑trial directions, typically at least 7 days before trial.
Before you submit
- 1Case number entered correctly.
- 2All deponents listed with full names and statement dates.
- 3Cross‑examination topics described clearly.
- 4Form signed and dated by the appropriate party.
- 5A copy served on each opposing party.
- 6Original filed at the correct court registry.
- 7Receipt or filing reference noted for your records.
- 8If filing electronically, confirm upload confirmation.
- 9Check that any required fee (if any) is paid.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No. 21 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete all required fields in black ink or via the e‑filing portal.
- 3Make two copies: one for the court, one for service.
- 4Serve the copy on all other parties (hand‑delivery or post).
- 5File the original with the court registry before the deadline.
- 6Obtain a filing receipt or electronic confirmation.
- 7Keep the receipt with your trial bundle.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover criminal cases.
- 2{} not confirmed in official source: electronic filing availability for every court.
- 3The form does not : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
- 4The notice cannot be used to add new deponents after the court’s final deadline without a separate amendment form.
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. 21 is currently the up‑to‑date version for all civil trials. No recent amendments have been published.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the latest revision date.
- Confirm the case number format matches the current court system.
- Verify the field for “topics of cross‑examination” is still present.
- Ensure the signature line includes the solicitor’s name if represented.
- Review any new guidance notes attached to the form.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/01/26
Downloads & source
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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