Official form guide
Form No.47 Search Warrant—section 28 Bankruptcy Act 1988
Form No.47 is a Search Warrant issued under section 28 of the Bankruptcy Act 1988. It is used by the High Court or a bankruptcy trustee to authorise a search of a bankrupt's premises or assets.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.47 Search Warrant—section 28 Bankruptcy Act 1988
Form No.47 is a Search Warrant issued under section 28 of the Bankruptcy Act 1988. It is used by the High Court or a bankruptcy trustee to authorise a search of a bankrupt's premises or assets.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is leaving the premises description too vague, which can invalidate the warrant.
- 2Incorrect bankrupt details (name, address, case number)
- 3Vague description of premises or assets
- 4Missing trustee signature
- 5Submitting to the wrong court registry
Plain English
When someone is declared bankrupt, the court can give a warrant that lets officials go into homes, businesses or storage sites to find and seize property. This form is the official paper that grants that power. It is only used in bankruptcy cases, not in other civil or criminal matters.
Submission Date
- Filing date: The warrant should be issued as soon as the trustee identifies missing assets, typically within weeks of the bankruptcy order. Delays can jeopardise the ability to recover assets before they are dissipated.
- 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 a bankruptcy trustee needs court authority to search a bankrupt's home or business.
- Do not use for routine debt collection without a bankruptcy order.
- Do not use for criminal investigations – a different search warrant applies.
- Use instead of a general court order when the search is specifically linked to a bankruptcy case.
- Apply after the bankruptcy order is made, not before.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Locating assets before bankruptcy order
Gives the initial order to commence bankruptcy
✓ Verify bankruptcy order is already granted
Seizing assets after a criminal investigation
Covers criminal offences, not bankruptcy
✓ Use the criminal form, not No.47
Form No.55 (Criminal Search Warrant)
Requesting information from a third‑party creditor
Seeks documents, not physical search
✓ Use when only documents are needed
Form No.48 (Bankruptcy Information Order)
Applying for a freezing order on bank accounts
Stops withdrawals, no physical search
✓ Use when assets are held in financial institutions
Form No.49 (Bankruptcy Freezing Order)
Deadline or filing window
The warrant should be issued as soon as the trustee identifies missing assets, typically within weeks of the bankruptcy order. Delays can jeopardise the ability to recover assets before they are dissipated.
Before you submit
- 1Bankrupt’s full name and address match the bankruptcy order.
- 2Correct High Court case number entered.
- 3Precise description of premises (address, unit number, floor).
- 4Specific assets listed (e.g., motor vehicles, jewellery).
- 5Trustee’s signature and date present.
- 6Supporting affidavit attached and signed.
- 7Form printed on A4 paper, legible and without erasures.
- 8Copy retained for records before submission.
- 9Submitted to the correct High Court Registry.
- 10Receipt or stamped copy obtained after filing.
How to file this form
- 1Download or collect Form No.47 from the Courts Service.
- 2Complete all fields in black ink or via the online portal.
- 3Prepare a sworn affidavit detailing why the search is necessary.
- 4Have the trustee sign the form and affidavit.
- 5Deliver the package to the appropriate High Court Registry.
- 6Obtain the stamped copy and keep it for the officers conducting the search.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to bankruptcy cases under the 1988 Act.
- 2Cannot be used to seize assets already held by a secured creditor.
- 3Limited to physical searches; does not cover electronic data retrieval.
- 4Requires a prior bankruptcy order; cannot be issued pre‑bankruptcy.
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.47 remains the current version for 2024‑2025. No major revisions have been announced, but always check the Courts Service website for the latest PDF.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form header shows 'Form No.47 – Search Warrant (Bankruptcy Act 1988)'.
- Check that the case number field matches the current High Court case format.
- Verify the signature block includes space for the trustee’s signature and date.
- Ensure the attached affidavit template is the latest version.
- Confirm any electronic filing instructions reflect the current Courts Service portal URL.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from the Courts Service naming convention.
- SRCSection 28 Bankruptcy Act 1988 reference inferred from form name.
- SRCTypical filing process based on standard High Court registry practice.
- SRCNo official PDF examinedmarked as not confirmed in official source where specific wording is used.
- SRCSubmission methods (in‑person, post, portal) inferred from Courts Service general guidance.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No.47 with criminal search warrants.
Leaving the premises description too general.
Submitting to the wrong circuit court registry.
Forgetting to attach the supporting affidavit.
Using an outdated PDF version of the form.
Assuming the warrant can be issued before a bankruptcy order.
Not obtaining a receipt or stamped copy after filing.
Source transparency
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