Official form guide
Form No.57 Protective Certificate (Personal Insolvency Arrangement)
Form No.57 Protective Certificate (Personal Insolvency Arrangement) is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used to apply for a protective certificate that shields a debtor from creditor actions while a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) is being negotiated.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No.57 Protective Certificate (Personal Insolvency Arrangement)
Form No.57 Protective Certificate (Personal Insolvency Arrangement) is issued by the Courts Service of Ireland. It is used to apply for a protective certificate that shields a debtor from creditor actions while a Personal Insolvency Arrangement (PIA) is being negotiated.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign and date the declaration.
- 2Missing signature or date
- 3Incorrect court jurisdiction
- 4Leaving out the case reference number
- 5Submitting after a creditor has already taken enforcement action
Plain English
If you are in debt and want to set up a repayment plan called a PIA, you need this form to ask the court for protection. The certificate stops bailiffs, wage garnishments and other enforcement while the arrangement is being worked out.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File the protective certificate before any enforcement action is taken, ideally within 14 days of receiving a creditor's threat.
- 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 a draft Personal Insolvency Arrangement and need court protection.
- If a creditor has threatened enforcement but you have not yet filed a PIA.
- To pause all enforcement actions while the Insolvency Service reviews your proposal.
- Instead of a standard bankruptcy petition when you intend to negotiate a repayment plan.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bankruptcy petition
Full liquidation of assets
✓ Use only if you cannot propose a PIA
Debt Relief Notice
Simplified debt relief for low assets
✓ Choose when you have no assets and no income
Application for a Debt Relief Order
N/A
✓ Use only in UK jurisdictions
Deadline or filing window
File the protective certificate before any enforcement action is taken, ideally within 14 days of receiving a creditor's threat.
Before you submit
- 1All sections completed in block letters{or typed}.
- 2Signature and date present on the declaration page.
- 3Correct Circuit Court name and address entered.
- 4Case reference number (if already assigned) included.
- 5Supporting documents attached as required.
- 6Form printed on A4 paper, legible and uncreased.
- 7Copy of the form retained for personal records.
- 8Postage paid and tracked if sending by mail.
- 9Electronic filing confirmation saved if using e‑filing.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Form No.57 from courts.ie.
- 2Complete the form with accurate personal and case details.
- 3Gather any required supporting documents from the Insolvency Service.
- 4Sign and date the declaration.
- 5Submit the form to the appropriate Circuit Court (in person, post, or e‑filing).
- 6Obtain a receipt or acknowledgement of filing.
- 7Notify your insolvency practitioner that the protective certificate has been lodged.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to Personal Insolvency Arrangements, not bankruptcy.
- 2Does not itself grant a PIA – the arrangement must still be approved.
- 3Court may refuse the certificate if the debtor is not cooperating.
- 4Form cannot be used for corporate insolvency matters.
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.57 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify the form header shows 'Form No.57 – Protective Certificate'.
- Check that the date on the form is 2024 or later.
- Confirm the court address field matches the debtor's county of residence.
- Ensure the declaration wording matches the latest template.
- Review any attached guidance notes for updated supporting document requirements.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 28/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm name and number taken from the Courts Service of Ireland catalogue.
- SRCPurpose of protective certificate inferred from typical PIA procedures.
- SRCSubmission methods based on general Courts Service e‑filing practices.
- SRCDeadline guidance derived from standard creditor enforcement timelines.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact 14‑day filing window.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: specific supporting document list.
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No.57 with the standard Personal Insolvency Arrangement application form.
Submitting to the wrong county Circuit Court.
Leaving the 'case number' field blank when a number has already been allocated.
Assuming the protective certificate automatically approves the PIA.
Using an older PDF version that lacks the current declaration wording.
Failing to attach the Insolvency Service's supporting letter.
Source transparency
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