Official form guide
Form No. 3 Notice of Counter-Claim
The No. 3 Notice of Counter-Claim is a legal form used in Irish court proceedings where a defendant wishes to make a claim against the plaintiff. This form initiates a counter-action within an existing legal case.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 3 Notice of Counter-Claim
The No. 3 Notice of Counter-Claim is a legal form used in Irish court proceedings where a defendant wishes to make a claim against the plaintiff. This form initiates a counter-action within an existing legal case.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is missing the deadline to file a counter-claim, which can permanently bar your claim.
- 2Missing the deadline for filing a counter-claim
- 3Failing to properly serve the counter-claim on all parties
- 4Not including sufficient detail about the counter-claim
- 5Using outdated versions of the form
Plain English
If someone has sued you in court, you can use this form to turn the tables by suing them back for something related to the original dispute. It's like saying 'you're suing me, but I'm also suing you for this reason'.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Counter-claims must typically be filed within the time specified in the original court summons or order, which is often 10 days after being served with the summons, but this can vary depending on the court and case type.
- 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 want to claim against the person who sued you
- Use when your claim against the plaintiff is related to the original dispute
- Use when you want to resolve both claims in the same legal proceeding
- Do not use for completely unrelated claims against the plaintiff
- Do not use if you only want to defend against the original claim without making a counter-claim
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Situation
Why it matters
✓ Check before you continue
Defending against a claim without making a counter-claim
Different procedures apply
✓ Confirm you don't have any claims against the plaintiff
Making a completely separate claim against the plaintiff
Different court process may be required
✓ Confirm your claim is unrelated to the original case
Civil Bill or originating summons
Appealing a court decision
Different legal process and deadlines
✓ Confirm you're challenging the decision rather than making a new claim
Seeking an order from the court
Different form for specific court orders
✓ Confirm you're not responding to a claim but seeking court intervention
Deadline or filing window
Counter-claims must typically be filed within the time specified in the original court summons or order, which is often 10 days after being served with the summons, but this can vary depending on the court and case type.
Before you submit
- 1Complete all sections of the form
- 2Include specific grounds for your counter-claim
- 3Detail exactly what relief you're seeking
- 4Calculate and pay the correct court fee
- 5Sign and date the form
- 6Prepare copies for all parties in the original case
- 7Check that you're using the most recent version of the form
- 8Include any required supporting documents
- 9Verify the correct court office for submission
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct No. 3 Notice of Counter-Claim form
- 2Complete all sections with accurate details of your counter-claim
- 3Calculate and pay the required court fee
- 4File the original with the court office
- 5Serve copies on all other parties to the original case
- 6Keep a copy for your records
- 7Obtain a filed copy or receipt from the court
Known limitations
- 1Counter-claims must be related to the original dispute
- 2The court may refuse to hear a counter-claim if it's not properly framed
- 3Certain types of claims may require separate proceedings
- 4The form may not be suitable for complex counter-claims requiring extensive documentation
- 5Electronic filing options may be limited for certain case types
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 is current as of the latest Courts Service of Ireland publications, but court procedures may change, so verify the latest requirements before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check if there have been recent amendments to the form
- Verify the current court fee requirements
- Confirm if electronic filing is now available for your case type
- Check if any supporting document requirements have changed
- Verify if service procedures have been updated
- Confirm if the form is still accepted in paper format
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 19/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCForm number: No. 3 Notice of Counter-Claim
- SRCUsed in Irish court proceedings
- SRCRequires proper service on all parties
- SRCCourt fees apply
- SRCFiling deadlines are case-specific
- SRCElectronic filing may be available
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: current fee amounts
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific time limits for all case types
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact procedures for electronic filing
Common confusion points
Confusing a counter-claim with a simple defense to the original claim
Not understanding that counter-claims must be related to the original dispute
Missing the deadline for filing a counter-claim
Incorrectly calculating court fees
Not properly serving the counter-claim on all parties
Using the wrong version of the form
Not including sufficient detail about the counter-claim
Failing to understand the difference between a counter-claim and a cross-claim
Source transparency
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