Official form guide
Form Part 2 - Orders: No.16 Order for Arrest under the Debtors Act (Ireland) 1872, Section 7
Form Part 2 – Orders No.16 is an Order for Arrest under the Debtors Act (Ireland) 1872, Section 7. It is used by a court to authorise the arrest of a debtor who has failed to comply with a judgment or decree.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part 2 - Orders: No.16 Order for Arrest under the Debtors Act (Ireland) 1872, Section 7
Form Part 2 – Orders No.16 is an Order for Arrest under the Debtors Act (Ireland) 1872, Section 7. It is used by a court to authorise the arrest of a debtor who has failed to comply with a judgment or decree.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is omitting the exact judgment reference number.
- 2Incorrect debtor address prevents service
- 3Wrong judgment reference leads to rejection
- 4Missing supporting documents delays issuance
- 5Failure to pay the filing fee results in non‑processing
Plain English
If a court has already ordered you to pay a debt and you still haven’t, the creditor can ask the court for an arrest order. This form is the official paperwork that lets a bailiff or sheriff take the debtor into custody until the debt is settled.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no statutory deadline, but the order should be filed promptly after the debtor’s default to avoid further delay and additional costs.
- 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 final judgment and the debtor has not paid after a charging order.
- If you have already obtained a writ of execution but need the debtor physically detained.
- When the debtor’s assets are hidden and arrest is the only practical enforcement route.
- To compel payment before further court action, such as bankruptcy proceedings.
- Only for debts enforceable under the Debtors Act 1872, Section 7.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Debtor still has assets to seize
Allows seizure of goods instead of arrest
✓ Verify asset availability first
Creditor wants a charging order on land
Secures debt against property
✓ Use when real estate is involved
Bankruptcy petition needed
Discharges all debts through bankruptcy
✓ Consider only if debt is uncollectible
Deadline or filing window
There is no statutory deadline, but the order should be filed promptly after the debtor’s default to avoid further delay and additional costs.
Before you submit
- 1Judgment copy attached
- 2Debtor’s full name and correct address entered
- 3Exact judgment reference number entered
- 4All previous enforcement notices listed
- 5Filing fee paid or evidence of payment attached
- 6Form signed and dated by creditor or solicitor
- 7Correct court registry selected
- 8Supporting affidavits (if required) included
- 9Copies made for creditor’s records
How to file this form
- 1Collect judgment and enforcement documentation.
- 2Complete the Order for Arrest form with accurate details.
- 3Attach all required supporting documents.
- 4Pay the applicable filing fee.
- 5Submit the package to the appropriate court registry (in person, post, or e‑filing).
- 6Obtain the court’s receipt and reference number.
- 7Notify the debtor of the arrest order, if required by the court.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to debts enforceable under the Debtors Act 1872, Section 7.
- 2Cannot be used for tax debts or fines covered by separate legislation.
- 3Requires a final, enforceable judgment; interlocutory orders are insufficient.
- 4The form does not itself seize assets; a separate writ is needed for that.
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->The form is currently the 2023 version and remains valid. No major revisions have been announced since its last update.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header shows the 2023 revision date.
- Confirm the court registry field matches the court that issued the original judgment.
- Verify the fee amount listed on the form is current (refer to the Courts Service fee schedule).
- Ensure the signature block includes space for both creditor and solicitor, if applicable.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 22/01/26
Downloads & source
Common confusion points
Mixing up Form No.16 (arrest) with Form No.15 (execution).
Leaving the debtor’s address incomplete, causing service failure{ccc
Source transparency
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