Official form guide
Form 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
Courts Service of Ireland - Form 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.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to file the questionnaire by the court‑set deadline.
- 2Missing the pre‑trial filing deadline
- 3Leaving sections blank or providing incomplete details
- 4Submitting the wrong version of the form
- 5Failing 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
- Filing 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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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.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Criminal case
Criminal matters require a different format
✓ Verify case type before filing
Small claims under €2,000
Small claims have a streamlined process
✓ Check Small Claims Rules
Family law dispute
Family cases have specialised questions
✓ Confirm family jurisdiction
Form No. 7 (Family Pre‑trial Questionnaire)
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
- 1Correct court name and case number entered
- 2All sections completed with no blanks
- 3Witness list and document index attached
- 4Signature and date present
- 5Form printed clearly if submitting paper copy
- 6File uploaded in PDF format if filing online
- 7Confirmation receipt saved after filing
- 8Copy retained for your records
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest Form No. 3 from the Courts Service website.
- 2Complete the questionnaire using black ink or typed text.
- 3Attach the required witness and document lists.
- 4Sign and date the form.
- 5File the form at the court registry or upload via the online portal before the deadline.
- 6Obtain a filing receipt or acknowledgment.
- 7Keep a copy for your files.
Known limitations
- 1Form is only for civil cases; not valid for criminal or family law matters.
- 2Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
- 3The form does not replace a full statement of case.
- 4Only one questionnaire per party is accepted unless the court orders otherwise.
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 pre‑trial questionnaire for civil matters; no major revisions have been announced this year.
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
Form Details
- Revision date
- 05/02/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number inferred from provided data.
- SRCTypical use in civil pre‑trial process inferred from Courts Service practice.
- SRCDeadline timing inferred from standard pre‑trial directions orders.
- SRCSubmission methods based on general Courts Service filing options.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact list of required attachments.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: availability of online portal for this specific form.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact wording of risk statements.
Common confusion points
Mixing up the civil pre‑trial questionnaire with the criminal pre‑trial statement.
Leaving the ‘date of service’ field blank.
Submitting an outdated version of the form.
Forgetting to attach the witness list.
Using the wrong court reference number.
Assuming the questionnaire replaces a formal statement of case.
Unclear whether electronic filing is accepted in the local district court.
Source transparency
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