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 basic case information before a trial begins. It is normally filed after the court issues a pre‑trial direction or when a judge requests it.
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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 basic case information before a trial begins. It is normally filed after the court issues a pre‑trial direction or when a judge requests it.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to file the questionnaire by the date specified in the pre‑trial direction.
- 2Missing the court‑set deadline
- 3Leaving sections blank or incomplete
- 4Submitting outdated version of the form
- 5Failing to attach required document or witness lists
Plain English
Think of this as a short fact‑sheet about your case that the court needs before the hearing. It asks for details like the parties involved, the issues in dispute and any evidence you plan to rely on. Filling it out helps the judge manage the timetable and avoid surprises at trial.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The questionnaire must be filed by the date stated in the pre‑trial direction, typically 14 days before the trial date, unless the court grants an extension.
- 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 orders a pre‑trial questionnaire.
- Use for civil claims, personal injury, contract disputes, and family law matters.
- Do not use for criminal cases – a different pre‑trial form applies.
- If you have already settled, you may still need to file a brief questionnaire stating the settlement.
- Use instead of a full case bundle when only basic information is required.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Criminal case
Different procedural rules
✓ Verify case type first
Form No. 5 (Criminal Pre‑trial Questionnaire)
Small claims under €2,000
Small claims track is simplified
✓ Check the small claims guide
Appeal proceedings
Appeals need separate filing
✓ Confirm you are not in first‑instance
Deadline or filing window
The questionnaire must be filed by the date stated in the pre‑trial direction, typically 14 days before the trial date, unless the court grants an extension.
Before you submit
- 1Correct case number and court name entered
- 2All parties' full names and addresses listed
- 3Summary of claim/defence completed
- 4Document and witness lists attached
- 5Signed and dated by the applicant/representative
- 6Saved as a single PDF file
- 7Uploaded via the e‑filing portal or handed to the registry
- 8Receipt or confirmation email saved
- 9Copy retained for personal records
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No. 3 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete the questionnaire in full.
- 3Attach any required lists of documents or witnesses.
- 4Convert the whole file to PDF.
- 5Log in to the Courts Service e‑filing portal.
- 6Upload the PDF and confirm submission.
- 7Print the confirmation receipt and store it safely.
Known limitations
- 1The form does not replace a full case bundle; additional evidence may still be required.
- 2Only accepts PDF uploads; other formats are rejected.
- 3No automatic validation of party names – errors must be corrected manually.
- 4The e‑filing portal may be unavailable during scheduled maintenance.
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 2024 revision and is valid for all civil and family cases until a new version is published on the Courts Service website.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Verify that the case reference format matches the current court numbering.
- Confirm that the e‑filing portal accepts PDF files up to 10 MB.
- Ensure any attached witness list follows the latest template.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 05/02/26
Downloads & source
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
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