Notice of Application for Appointment of Solicitor Ad litem

What this form is for

• • When a person lacks mental capacity to conduct their own case
• • When a minor or protected adult needs a solicitor appointed by the court
• • When the court specifically orders a solicitor ad litem application
• • Instead of a general ‘Notice of Appearance’ which does not appoint counsel

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed statutory deadline, but the application should be filed before the first substantive hearing or as soon as the incapacity issue is identified.

Before you submit

• • All parties’ full names and addresses are correct
• • Reason for appointment clearly explained
• • Relevant medical or capacity reports attached
• • Proposed solicitor’s name, address, and Bar number (if known)
• • Form is signed by the applicant or authorised representative
• • Date of submission is recorded
• • Correct court name and division entered
• • Copies of supporting documents are legible
• • Receipt or acknowledgment from the court clerk obtained

How to file this form

1. 1Prepare supporting evidence (medical reports, capacity assessments)
2. 2Complete the Notice of Application for Appointment of Solicitor Ad litem
3. 3Attach all required documents and sign the form
4. 4Make two copies: one for the court, one for your records
5. 5Deliver the original to the court clerk in person, by post, or via e‑filing
6. 6Obtain a filing receipt or electronic confirmation
7. 7Monitor court communications for any further directions

Known limitations

• • Form does not cover appointment of a guardian; a separate form is required
• • Only applicable in Circuit and District Courts, not the High Court
• • Electronic filing may not be available for all courts
• • No provision for attaching large volumes of medical records; summarize key points