Official form guide
Form No. 6 Judgment for Defendant's Costs on Discontinuance
This Irish government form is used to obtain a court judgment for awarding costs to a defendant when a plaintiff discontinues legal proceedings. It's typically used in civil cases where the plaintiff decides not to continue with the case.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form No. 6 Judgment for Defendant's Costs on Discontinuance
This Irish government form is used to obtain a court judgment for awarding costs to a defendant when a plaintiff discontinues legal proceedings. It's typically used in civil cases where the plaintiff decides not to continue with the case.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is missing the strict deadline for applying after the plaintiff discontinues the case.
- 2Missing the deadline for applying after discontinuance
- 3Incorrectly calculating the amount of costs claimed
- 4Failing to properly serve the notice on the other party
- 5Not providing sufficient evidence of costs incurred
Plain English
When someone suing you drops their case, you might be entitled to recover your legal costs. This form helps you get an official court decision confirming that the other side must pay your expenses.
Submission Date
- Filing date: Applications for costs on discontinuance must generally be made within 14 days of receiving notice of discontinuance, though this timeframe may be extended by the court in exceptional circumstances.
- 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 plaintiff has discontinued proceedings before judgment
- Use when you want to recover your legal costs from the plaintiff
- Use only in civil cases where cost recovery is appropriate
- Do not use if the case was dismissed by the court rather than discontinued
- Use when the defendant has incurred significant legal expenses
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Plaintiff discontinues case before defense
Ensures defendant can recover costs
✓ Check if discontinuance is formal and filed with court
Case dismissed by judge
Different legal basis for costs
✓ Verify which form matches the court's decision
Settlement reached
Formalizes agreed costs without court judgment
✓ Check if settlement agreement already covers costs
Appeal filed
Different procedure for appeal costs
✓ Verify this is not an appeal but original case discontinuance
Small claims case discontinued
May have simplified procedure
✓ Check if small claims process has different cost recovery method
Deadline or filing window
Applications for costs on discontinuance must generally be made within 14 days of receiving notice of discontinuance, though this timeframe may be extended by the court in exceptional circumstances.
Before you submit
- 1Confirm the plaintiff has formally discontinued proceedings
- 2Calculate costs accurately with supporting documentation
- 3Complete all required sections of the form
- 4Include court reference number
- 5Check for any required court fees
- 6Verify you have the correct defendant and plaintiff information
- 7Prepare copies for all parties if required
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest version of Form No. 6 from the Courts Service
- 2Complete all sections with accurate case details and cost calculations
- 3Prepare supporting documentation showing costs incurred
- 4Submit the completed form to the appropriate court office
- 5Pay any required fees
- 6Serve a copy on the plaintiff's legal representative if applicable
- 7Keep a copy for your records
Known limitations
- 1This form only applies when the plaintiff discontinues, not when the court dismisses the case
- 2Costs awarded are subject to court approval and may not cover all expenses
- 3The form doesn't guarantee full recovery of all costs incurred
- 4Time limits for applying are strict and may not be extended
- 5Costs must be reasonable and proportionate to the case
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->This form is current as of the latest Courts Service updates, but always verify you're using the latest version on the Courts Service website.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Verify you're using the latest version from Courts Service website
- Check if recent court rule changes affect cost recovery
- Confirm fee amounts haven't changed since last update
- Ensure formatting requirements meet current court standards
- Check if digital submission options have been added
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 22/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm issued by Courts Service of Ireland
- SRCPurpose is for obtaining judgment for defendant's costs on discontinuance
- SRCUsed in civil court proceedings
- SRCSpecific time limits apply for filing after discontinuance
- SRCRequires documentation of costs claimed
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact current filing fees
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: whether digital submission is available
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact time limit for application
Common confusion points
Confusing discontinuance with dismissal by the court
Unclear about what costs can be claimed
Not knowing the time limit for applying
Uncertain about how to calculate reasonable costs
Confusion about serving the form on the other party
Not understanding when legal representation is required
Unclear about the difference between costs and damages
Source transparency
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