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No.3  Pre-trial Questionnaire

The Pre‑trial Questionnaire (Form No. 3) is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to gather information from parties before a trial starts. It helps the court manage the case and encourages early settlement.

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Form Overview

No.3  Pre-trial Questionnaire

The Pre‑trial Questionnaire (Form No. 3) is a Courts Service of Ireland document used to gather information from parties before a trial starts. It helps the court manage the case and encourages early settlement.

It asks for a summary of the claim, the relief sought, a list of documents and witnesses, and any settlement offers that have been made.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to file the questionnaire by the court‑set deadline.
  • Missing the pre‑trial filing deadline
  • Leaving sections blank or providing incomplete details
  • Submitting the wrong version of the form
  • Failing to attach required witness or document lists

Plain English

Before your case goes to trial, the court asks you to fill out a short questionnaire about the issues, evidence and witnesses. Think of it as a checklist that tells the judge what to expect and whether the case can be resolved earlier.

Submission Date

  • The questionnaire must be filed by the date set in the pre‑trial directions order, typically 14‑21 days before the trial date.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • Use when the court issues a pre‑trial directions order.
  • Use for civil cases such as personal injury, contract disputes, or property claims.
  • Do not use for criminal matters – a different pre‑trial form applies.
  • If the case is already in a fast‑track procedure, a simplified questionnaire may be required.
  • Use this form instead of informal email exchanges when the court specifically requests a formal questionnaire.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Criminal caseForm No. 5 (Pre‑trial Statement)Criminal matters require a different formatVerify case type before filing
Small claims under €2,000No questionnaire requiredSmall claims have a streamlined processCheck Small Claims Rules
Family law disputeForm No. 7 (Family Pre‑trial Questionnaire)Family cases have specialised questionsConfirm family jurisdiction

Deadline or filing window

The questionnaire must be filed by the date set in the pre‑trial directions order, typically 14‑21 days before the trial date.

Before you submit

  • Correct court name and case number entered
  • All sections completed with no blanks
  • Witness list and document index attached
  • Signature and date present
  • Form printed clearly if submitting paper copy
  • File uploaded in PDF format if filing online
  • Confirmation receipt saved after filing
  • Copy retained for your records

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the latest Form No. 3 from the Courts Service website.
  2. 2Complete the questionnaire using black ink or typed text.
  3. 3Attach the required witness and document lists.
  4. 4Sign and date the form.
  5. 5File the form at the court registry or upload via the online portal before the deadline.
  6. 6Obtain a filing receipt or acknowledgment.
  7. 7Keep a copy for your files.

Known limitations

  • Form is only for civil cases; not valid for criminal or family law matters.
  • Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
  • The form does not replace a full statement of case.
  • Only one questionnaire per party is accepted unless the court orders otherwise.

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Current Form Status

Form No. 3 is currently the standard pre‑trial questionnaire for civil matters; no major revisions have been announced this year.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Check the form header for the current year stamp.
  • Verify the court reference number field matches your case number.
  • Confirm the list of required attachments (witness list, document index).
  • Ensure any new electronic filing instructions are followed.
  • Review any updated guidance notes attached to the form.

Quick Facts

Both plaintiffs and defendants (or their legal representatives) must complete the questionnaire.
It asks for a summary of the claim, the relief sought, a list of documents and witnesses, and any settlement offers that have been made.
The questionnaire must be filed after the court issues a pre‑trial directions order, usually a few weeks before the trial date.
Submit the completed form to the court registry handling your case, either in person, by post, or via the Courts Service’s online filing portal if available.
Accurate and timely filing lets the judge set a realistic timetable and can avoid adjournments or costs penalties for non‑compliance.
1. Download Form No. 3 from the Courts Service website or collect a paper copy at the registry. 2. Fill in each section clearly, using full names and dates. 3. Attach any supporting documents (e.g., witness list, document index). 4. Sign and date the form. 5. File it by the deadline using the chosen submission method and keep a copy for your records.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
05/02/26

No.3  Pre-trial Questionnaire

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After you file

  • Check the court’s acknowledgment of receipt.
  • Monitor any further directions or requests from the judge.
  • Prepare the full bundle of documents listed in the questionnaire.
  • Notify your solicitor or legal representative of the filing date.
  • Update your case timetable based on the court’s response.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number inferred from provided data.
  • Typical use in civil pre‑trial process inferred from Courts Service practice.
  • Deadline timing inferred from standard pre‑trial directions orders.
  • Submission methods based on general Courts Service filing options.
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact list of required attachments.
  • Not confirmed in official source: availability of online portal for this specific form.
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact wording of risk statements.

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up the civil pre‑trial questionnaire with the criminal pre‑trial statement.

  • 2

    Leaving the ‘date of service’ field blank.

  • 3

    Submitting an outdated version of the form.

  • 4

    Forgetting to attach the witness list.

  • 5

    Using the wrong court reference number.

  • 6

    Assuming the questionnaire replaces a formal statement of case.

  • 7

    Unclear whether electronic filing is accepted in the local district court.

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