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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– a formal notice that prevents a judgment or order from being entered against a party’s interest until the caveat is withdrawn.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.

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Form Overview

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– a formal notice that prevents a judgment or order from being entered against a party’s interest until the caveat is withdrawn.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.

The form records the applicant’s details, the nature of the interest, the case number it relates to, and the grounds for the caveat.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is filing the caveat after the court’s deadline, which renders it ineffective.
  • Missing the filing deadline
  • Incorrect case number or party details
  • Failing to attach supporting evidence
  • Signature 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

  • 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.

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Glossary Terms

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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.

Use this form or another form?

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Bankruptcy caseForm N1 (Bankruptcy Petition)Different legal processVerify if your matter is insolvency‑related
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Company winding‑upForm 13 (Application for Winding‑up)Corporate contextCheck company status first

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

  • Correct form version downloaded
  • All fields completed in block capitals
  • Accurate case number and parties listed
  • Supporting documents attached
  • Signature and witness signature (if required)
  • Fee paid or fee exemption confirmed
  • Form sealed in an envelope with clear address
  • Receipt of delivery or online confirmation saved

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the latest Part I: No. 20 Caveat form from courts.ie.
  2. 2Complete the form with accurate details.
  3. 3Gather and attach any proof of interest (e.g., title deeds, contracts).
  4. 4Sign the form and obtain a witness signature where needed.
  5. 5Pay the filing fee or attach fee exemption documentation.
  6. 6Submit the form to the appropriate court registry in person, by post, or via the online portal.
  7. 7Keep the acknowledgment receipt for your records.

Known limitations

  • Only applicable to civil matters; not for criminal cases.
  • Cannot be used to delay a judgment already entered.
  • Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
  • The form does not replace a formal application for an injunction.

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Current Form Status

The Part I: No. 20 Caveat is currently the up‑to‑date version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

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

Anyone who believes they have a legal interest that could be affected by a pending court order should file a caveat.
The form records the applicant’s details, the nature of the interest, the case number it relates to, and the grounds for the caveat.
File the caveat as soon as you become aware of the pending proceeding, but no later than the date specified by the court rules (usually within 14 days of the order being proposed).
Submit the completed form to the Registrar of the relevant court – either in person, by post, or via the Courts Service’s online filing portal if you have a digital signature.
A correctly filed caveat stops the court from issuing a judgment that could harm your rights; errors or late filing may mean the caveat is rejected and the judgment proceeds.
1. Download the Part I: No. 20 Caveat from the Courts Service website. 2. Fill in all required fields legibly; use block capitals. 3. Attach any supporting documents that prove your interest. 4. Sign the form and have a witness sign if required. 5. Deliver the form to the court registry or upload it through the online portal, paying any applicable fee.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
29/01/26

Part I: No. 20 Caveat

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After you file

  • Obtain and file the receipt or acknowledgment of filing.
  • Monitor court communications for any directions to withdraw or amend the caveat.
  • Notify any other parties that a caveat has been lodged, if required by court rule.
  • Prepare to attend any hearing the court may schedule regarding the caveat.
  • If the caveat is withdrawn, file a withdrawal notice promptly.

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number taken from user input.
  • General purpose of a caveat inferred from Irish court practice.
  • Deadline of 14 days inferred from typical court rules; not confirmed in official source.
  • Fee requirement inferred from standard court filing procedures; not confirmed in official source.
  • Electronic filing availability inferred from Courts Service online services; not confirmed in official source.

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up a caveat with an injunction application.

  • 2

    Assuming the caveat automatically stops all court action.

  • 3

    Leaving the ‘grounds for caveat’ section blank.

  • 4

    Using the wrong court’s address for submission.

  • 5

    Failing to include the exact case number as shown on court documents.

  • 6

    Not understanding that a fee may be required.

  • 7

    Believing a caveat can be filed after a judgment is entered.

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