Official form guide
Form No.31 Invitation to Lodge a Claim
Form No.31 Invitation to Lodge a Claim is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used to formally invite a person or organisation to start a legal claim in the High Court or Circuit Court.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.31 Invitation to Lodge a Claim
Form No.31 Invitation to Lodge a Claim is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used to formally invite a person or organisation to start a legal claim in the High Court or Circuit Court.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is missing the deadline on the invitation.
- 2Missing the filing deadline
- 3Providing incorrect party details
- 4Submitting to the wrong court registry
- 5Failing to attach required supporting documents
Plain English
If you have been told you may have to go to court, this form is the official notice asking you to file your claim. It tells you what you need to do and by when, so the court can schedule the case.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The invitation will state a specific number of days (often 14 or 28) from the date of service; this is the absolute deadline for lodging the claim.
- 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
- When you have received a formal invitation to lodge a claim from the Courts Service.
- When the invitation specifies a High Court or Circuit Court matter.
- If you need to start a claim that has been pre‑conditioned by the court.
- Instead of a standard claim form, which is used when no invitation has been issued.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
No invitation received
Use when starting a claim from scratch
✓ Verify you have not been served an invitation first
Appeal of a judgment
Different procedure for appeals
✓ Check the judgment order for the correct form
Small claims under €2,000
Simplified process
✓ Confirm the claim amount is within the small claims limit
Deadline or filing window
The invitation will state a specific number of days (often 14 or 28) from the date of service; this is the absolute deadline for lodging the claim.
Before you submit
- 1Read the invitation for the exact deadline.
- 2Enter claimant and defendant details exactly as on official IDs.
- 3Match the claim description to the wording in the invitation.
- 4Sign and date the form in the correct place.
- 5Attach all required supporting documents.
- 6Use the correct court address or upload portal.
- 7Keep a copy of the completed form and proof of posting or upload receipt.
- 8Confirm receipt with the court registry if no acknowledgment is received within 5 days.
How to file this form
- 1Gather the invitation letter and any supporting evidence.
- 2Complete Form No.31 on paper or the online portal.
- 3Double‑check all names, dates and court details.
- 4Sign the form and attach required documents.
- 5Deliver the form to the court registry by post, in person, or upload it online.
- 6Obtain and file the receipt or proof of service.
- 7Monitor for any follow‑up correspondence from the court.
Known limitations
- 1Form only applies to invitations issued by the Courts Service, not private notices.
- 2Does not replace a full claim form where a new cause of action is being started.
- 3Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
- 4No guidance on fees is included; separate fee schedule must be consulted.
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->Form No.31 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the court name and address match the latest registry list.
- Check the deadline field for any updated statutory time limits.
- Verify that the signature line includes space for electronic signatures if filing online.
- Ensure any referenced supporting documents are still required under current practice.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 27/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm No.31 title and issuing agency from user input.
- SRCTypical deadline (14‑28 days) inferred from standard court practice.
- SRCSubmission methods (post, in person, online) based on Courts Service filing options.
- SRCRisk list derived from common filing errors in Irish court procedures.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact fee schedule and electronic portal availability.
Common confusion points
Mixing up the invitation deadline with the standard limitation period.
Using the wrong court address (e.g., sending a High Court invitation to a Circuit Court registry).
Leaving the claim description too vague or not matching the invitation wording.
Forgetting to attach the original invitation letter as proof.
Signing the form in a field meant for a witness or solicitor.
Assuming online filing is automatic without checking portal availability.
Source transparency
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