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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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
- The most common mistake is forgetting to sign and date the declaration.
- Missing signature or date
- Incorrect court jurisdiction
- Leaving out the case reference number
- Submitting 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
- 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.
Glossary Terms
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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.
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bankruptcy petition | Form 4 | Full liquidation of assets | Use only if you cannot propose a PIA |
| Debt Relief Notice | Form 11 | Simplified debt relief for low assets | Choose when you have no assets and no income |
| Application for a Debt Relief Order | Not applicable in Ireland | 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
- • All sections completed in block letters{or typed}.
- • Signature and date present on the declaration page.
- • Correct Circuit Court name and address entered.
- • Case reference number (if already assigned) included.
- • Supporting documents attached as required.
- • Form printed on A4 paper, legible and uncreased.
- • Copy of the form retained for personal records.
- • Postage paid and tracked if sending by mail.
- • Electronic 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
- • Only applicable to Personal Insolvency Arrangements, not bankruptcy.
- • Does not itself grant a PIA – the arrangement must still be approved.
- • Court may refuse the certificate if the debtor is not cooperating.
- • Form cannot be used for corporate insolvency matters.
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✦ Open in AI EditorCurrent Form Status
Form No.57 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
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
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- Other Court Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 28/01/26
Downloads
No.57 Protective Certificate (Personal Insolvency Arrangement)
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After you file
- • Keep the court receipt safe for future reference.
- • Inform all creditors that a protective certificate has been issued.
- • Proceed with the PIA negotiation as directed by the Insolvency Service.
- • Monitor the court docket for any orders or notices.
- • If the certificate is rejected, seek advice on alternative insolvency routes.
Source and verification log
- • Form name and number taken from the Courts Service of Ireland catalogue.
- • Purpose of protective certificate inferred from typical PIA procedures.
- • Submission methods based on general Courts Service e‑filing practices.
- • Deadline guidance derived from standard creditor enforcement timelines.
- • Not confirmed in official source: exact 14‑day filing window.
- • Not confirmed in official source: specific supporting document list.
Common confusion points
6 things to watch for
- 1
Mixing up Form No.57 with the standard Personal Insolvency Arrangement application form.
- 2
Submitting to the wrong county Circuit Court.
- 3
Leaving the 'case number' field blank when a number has already been allocated.
- 4
Assuming the protective certificate automatically approves the PIA.
- 5
Using an older PDF version that lacks the current declaration wording.
- 6
Failing to attach the Insolvency Service's supporting letter.
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