Official form guide
Form No.21A Invitation to Lodge a Claim
Form 21A is used to formally invite another party to lodge a legal claim in the Irish court system. It's typically used when you believe a claim should be made but you are not the direct aggrieved party.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.21A Invitation to Lodge a Claim
Form 21A is used to formally invite another party to lodge a legal claim in the Irish court system. It's typically used when you believe a claim should be made but you are not the direct aggrieved party.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1Failing to correctly identify who should lodge the claim can invalidate the entire process.
- 2Missing legal time limits for claims
- 3Incomplete party information
- 4Incorrectly identifying who should lodge the claim
- 5Failure to include necessary supporting documents
Plain English
This form lets you ask someone else to start a legal case on your behalf or in relation to a matter you're involved in. It's not the claim itself, but a formal request to initiate proceedings through the Irish courts.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Legal time limits apply to when claims can be initiated, and these vary depending on the type of legal matter. Submitting Form 21A too late may prevent the claim from being valid.
- 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 want someone else to initiate a legal claim
- When there's a dispute but the appropriate claimant hasn't started proceedings
- When you need to formally request court involvement but aren't the direct claimant
- When directed by the court to invite someone to lodge a claim
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Direct claim against someone
When you're the injured party and want to sue directly
✓ Check if you're the correct claimant
Appeal a court decision
When you disagree with a court ruling and want to challenge it
✓ Verify the appeal deadline
Defend against a claim
When someone has sued you and you need to respond
✓ Ensure you respond within time limits
Request court orders
When you need the court to issue specific instructions
✓ Check if your request is legally valid
Deadline or filing window
Legal time limits apply to when claims can be initiated, and these vary depending on the type of legal matter. Submitting Form 21A too late may prevent the claim from being valid.
Before you submit
- 1Verify all party information is accurate and complete
- 2Check that the claim details are clearly stated
- 3Ensure supporting documents are included
- 4Confirm submission method is correct for your situation
- 5Verify any applicable fees have been paid
- 6Check that the form is signed if required
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct Form 21A from the Courts Service
- 2Complete all sections with accurate information
- 3Gather supporting documentation
- 4Submit through the appropriate channel (online, post, in person)
- 5Keep a copy of your submission for records
Known limitations
- 1This form only requests someone else to lodge a claim, it doesn't initiate proceedings directly
- 2Certain legal matters may have specific forms instead of using Form 21A
- 3The form may not be suitable for all types of legal disputes
- 4Court fees may apply depending on the nature of the claim
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->Not confirmed in official source. The form may have been updated to align with digital court services initiatives.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Not confirmed in official source
- May have updated digital submission options
- Could have modified party identification requirements
- Might have changed fee structures or payment methods
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name: No.21A Invitation to Lodge a Claim
- SRCIssuing agency: Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCPurpose: To request someone else to initiate a legal claim
- SRCSubmission methods: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCCurrent version status: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCFee requirements: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCProcessing time: Not confirmed in official source
- SRCDigital submission options: Not confirmed in official source
Common confusion points
Confusing this with the actual claim form (Form 21)
Uncertainty about who should be the claimant
Not understanding this is a request for someone else to file
Missing supporting documentation requirements
Confusion about applicable time limits
Misunderstanding the difference between this form and other court forms
Source transparency
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