Official form guide
Form No.3 Petition by Unpaid Creditor on Simple Contract Debt
Form No.3 Petition by Unpaid Creditor on Simple Contract Debt is a court document used to start a bankruptcy or debt recovery proceeding against a debtor who has failed to pay a simple contract debt. It is filed with the Courts Service of Ireland when a creditor wants a judgment and possible enforcement.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.3 Petition by Unpaid Creditor on Simple Contract Debt
Form No.3 Petition by Unpaid Creditor on Simple Contract Debt is a court document used to start a bankruptcy or debt recovery proceeding against a debtor who has failed to pay a simple contract debt. It is filed with the Courts Service of Ireland when a creditor wants a judgment and possible enforcement.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to attach the original contract and demand letters.
- 2Leaving the creditor or debtor details incomplete
- 3Incorrect amount or currency stated
- 4Failing to attach the original contract or demand letters
- 5Omitting the required filing fee
Plain English
If someone owes you money under a straightforward contract and they haven't paid, you can lodge this petition to ask the court to order payment or seize assets. It’s the first step in a formal legal process to recover the debt.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing promptly after a failed demand avoids additional interest and preserves enforcement options.
- 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 the debt arises from a single, straightforward contract (e.g., sale of goods, services).
- Do not use for complex commercial agreements or mortgages – other petitions apply.
- Choose this form instead of a general bankruptcy petition when the debt is undisputed but unpaid.
- Applicable when the debtor is an individual or a small company without prior insolvency proceedings.
- Use when you have already issued a formal written demand that was ignored.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Debt over €20,000 or complex contract
Handles larger or multi‑party claims
✓ Verify debt amount before filing
Form No.5 (Petition for Debt Recovery)
Debtor is a company in liquidation
Liquidation process overrides court petition
✓ Confirm liquidation status
Form No.7 (Petition to the Registrar of Companies)
Creditor seeks summary judgment only
Faster route for undisputed debt
✓ Ensure debt is simple and undisputed
Form No.2 (Summons for Summary Judgment)
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing promptly after a failed demand avoids additional interest and preserves enforcement options.
Before you submit
- 1Creditor and debtor names and addresses are correct.
- 2Contract reference number and date are entered accurately.
- 3Outstanding amount is shown in euros with correct decimal places.
- 4All demand letters and the original contract are attached.
- 5Signature of the creditor or authorised representative is present.
- 6Filing fee receipt is included or payment confirmed online.
- 7Form is dated and signed on the same day of submission.
- 8Correct court registry selected based on debtor’s residence.
- 9Copies are legible and not torn.
How to file this form
- 1Prepare supporting documents (contract, invoices, demand letters).
- 2Complete Form No.3 on paper or electronically.
- 3Pay the filing fee via bank transfer, credit card, or online portal.
- 4Attach all required documents in the order specified on the form.
- 5Submit the packet in person or by post to the appropriate court registry.
- 6If filing online, upload the PDF and confirm receipt via email.
- 7Obtain the court’s acknowledgment and note the petition reference number.
Known limitations
- 1Only for simple contract debts; complex or secured debts require other forms.
- 2Does not cover debts over €20,000 without additional documentation.
- 3Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
- 4The form does not include a built‑in schedule for interest calculations.
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.3 is currently the standard petition for simple contract debts; no major revisions have been announced in the last year.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the current filing fee schedule on the Courts Service website.
- Confirm the required number of contract copies (usually two originals).
- Verify if the online portal now accepts electronic signatures.
- Review any updated court registry addresses for your jurisdiction.
- Ensure the form version date matches the latest publication (e.g., 2024).
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from Courts Service catalogueconfirmed.
- SRCPurpose (petition by unpaid creditor on simple contract debt)inferred from title.
- SRCFiling locations (District/High Court registry)typical for court petitions.
- SRCFee requirementstandard for court filings, not confirmed for this specific form.
- SRCOnline portal availabilitybased on Courts Service e‑filing service, not confirmed for Form No.3.
- SRCDeadline guidancegeneral practice, not statutory.
- SRCAlternate forms listderived from known Courts Service forms, not confirmed for this specific scenario.
Common confusion points
Mixing up ‘simple contract debt’ with secured loans.
Assuming the online portal auto‑fills fee details.
Submitting to the wrong district court based on debtor’s business address.
Leaving out the creditor’s tax identification number when required.
Using an outdated version of the form that lacks a new signature field.
Believing the petition alone forces payment without a court judgment.
Source transparency
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