Official form guide
Form Part I: No. 20 Caveat
The Part I: No. 20 Caveat is a form used in the Irish courts to lodge a caveat – a formal notice that prevents a judgment or order from being entered against a party’s interest until the caveat is withdrawn. It is filed when someone wants to protect their rights in a pending court matter.
Need help with Form Part I: No. 20 Caveat?
Open it in the AI Editor for field guidance, checks, and PDF export.
Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I: No. 20 Caveat
The Part I: No. 20 Caveat is a form used in the Irish courts to lodge a caveat – a formal notice that prevents a judgment or order from being entered against a party’s interest until the caveat is withdrawn. It is filed when someone wants to protect their rights in a pending court matter.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is filing the caveat after the court’s deadline, which renders it ineffective.
- 2Missing the filing deadline
- 3Incorrect case number or party details
- 4Failing to attach supporting evidence
- 5Signature not witnessed where required
Plain English
Think of a caveat as a ‘hold’ on a court decision. You file this form to tell the court you have a claim or interest that must be considered before any judgment is made. It stops the court from finalising the case until you’re heard.
Submission Date
- Filing date: A caveat must be lodged within the time limit set by the specific court rule – typically 14 days from the date the order is proposed, but always check the notice you received.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
AI co-pilot
Fill it faster. Catch mistakes before you file.
What this form is for
- When you need to protect a property interest in a pending civil case.
- When you have a contractual or equitable claim that could be affected by a judgment.
- When a third party is seeking an order that may prejudice your rights.
- When you have been served with a notice of motion that could lead to a judgment against you.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Bankruptcy case
Different legal process
✓ Verify if your matter is insolvency‑related
Family law dispute
Not a caveat
✓ Use only for temporary orders
Form N5 (Application for Interlocutory Order)
Company winding‑up
Corporate context
✓ Check company status first
Form 13 (Application for Winding‑up)
Deadline or filing window
A caveat must be lodged within the time limit set by the specific court rule – typically 14 days from the date the order is proposed, but always check the notice you received.
Before you submit
- 1Correct form version downloaded
- 2All fields completed in block capitals
- 3Accurate case number and parties listed
- 4Supporting documents attached
- 5Signature and witness signature (if required)
- 6Fee paid or fee exemption confirmed
- 7Form sealed in an envelope with clear address
- 8Receipt of delivery or online confirmation saved
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the latest Part I: No. 20 Caveat form from courts.ie.
- 2Complete the form with accurate details.
- 3Gather and attach any proof of interest (e.g., title deeds, contracts).
- 4Sign the form and obtain a witness signature where needed.
- 5Pay the filing fee or attach fee exemption documentation.
- 6Submit the form to the appropriate court registry in person, by post, or via the online portal.
- 7Keep the acknowledgment receipt for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Only applicable to civil matters; not for criminal cases.
- 2Cannot be used to delay a judgment already entered.
- 3Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
- 4The form does not replace a formal application for an injunction.
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 Part I: No. 20 Caveat is currently the up‑to‑date version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Confirm the form number and title match the latest PDF on courts.ie.
- Check whether the fee schedule has changed.
- Verify if electronic signatures are now accepted.
- Ensure the required supporting documents list is up to date.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 29/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from user input.
- SRCGeneral purpose of a caveat inferred from Irish court practice.
- SRCDeadline of 14 days inferred from typical court rules; not confirmed in official source.
- SRCFee requirement inferred from standard court filing procedures; not confirmed in official source.
- SRCElectronic filing availability inferred from Courts Service online services; not confirmed in official source.
Common confusion points
Mixing up a caveat with an injunction application.
Assuming the caveat automatically stops all court action.
Leaving the ‘grounds for caveat’ section blank.
Using the wrong court’s address for submission.
Failing to include the exact case number as shown on court documents.
Not understanding that a fee may be required.
Believing a caveat can be filed after a judgment is entered.
Source transparency
Copyright & Licensing — Irish Government Forms
BrieflyGo links to and explains official public form sources. We are not a government agency, and this page is for general form guidance, not legal advice.
Understand the agreement before you sign it.
Review risky clauses in plain English, fix the document, and keep it moving toward signature.