Official form guide
Form Part I: No. 24 Citation to Accept or Refuse the Burden of the Execution of a Will
Part I: No. 24 Citation to Accept or Refuse the Burden of the Execution of a Will is a Courts Service of Ireland form used by a nominated executor to formally accept or decline the responsibility of administering a deceased person's estate. It is filed after the will has been presented to the High Court for probate.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I: No. 24 Citation to Accept or Refuse the Burden of the Execution of a Will
Part I: No. 24 Citation to Accept or Refuse the Burden of the Execution of a Will is a Courts Service of Ireland form used by a nominated executor to formally accept or decline the responsibility of administering a deceased person's estate. It is filed after the will has been presented to the High Court for probate.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the form before sending it.
- 2Missing signature or date
- 3Submitting to the wrong court district
- 4Using an outdated form version
- 5Failing to attach required supporting documents
Plain English
When someone is named in a will as the executor, they must tell the court whether they will take on the job or not. This form is the official way to say yes or no. It lets the court move forward with granting probate or finding another executor.
Submission Date
- Filing date: File the citation as soon as you have made your decision, ideally within 4 weeks of receiving the court's notice, to avoid probate delays.
- 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 are the named executor and have decided to accept the role.
- When you are the named executor and have decided to refuse the role.
- When the court has issued a citation for probate and requires a formal response.
- If you are a substitute executor stepping in after a refusal.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Executor wants to resign after accepting
Resignation requires a separate notice after acceptance
✓ Verify that acceptance has already been filed
Form No. 25 (Resignation of Executor)
Executor is unable to act due to conflict of interest
Conflict must be declared before acceptance
✓ Use alongside Part I: No. 24 if still undecided
Form No. 26 (Declaration of Conflict)
Estate is small and no formal probate needed
Small estates may be dealt with via a simple affidavit
✓ Confirm estate value first
Not applicable – small estate procedures
Deadline or filing window
File the citation as soon as you have made your decision, ideally within 4 weeks of receiving the court's notice, to avoid probate delays.
Before you submit
- 1Form is the latest version (2024).
- 2All fields are completed in block letters.
- 3Executor's signature and date are present.
- 4If refusing, attach a brief reason if the court requests it.
- 5Correct court name and address are on the envelope or e‑filing header.
- 6Postage is paid and tracked, or e‑filing receipt saved.
- 7Copy of the will is attached if the court requires it.
- 8Witness signature added where applicable.
- 9Check for any additional local court instructions.
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct form version.
- 2Complete all required details.
- 3Sign and date the form.
- 4Attach any supporting documents.
- 5Send to the Probate Office by post or upload via e‑filing.
- 6Keep the acknowledgement receipt.
- 7Follow up with the court if you do not receive confirmation within 10 days.
Known limitations
- 1Form only covers acceptance or refusal; it does not handle resignation after acceptance.
- 2Not all courts accept electronic submissions yet.
- 3No guidance on how to handle disputes over executor appointment.
- 4The form does not include a field for a solicitor’s reference number.
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 2024 version and remains valid. No recent amendments have been announced, but check the Courts Service website for any updates before filing.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check the form header for the 2024 revision date.
- Confirm the court address matches the current Probate Office location.
- Verify that the signature line includes space for a witness if required.
- Ensure the electronic file size meets the e‑filing portal limits.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 29/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number from user input.
- SRCIssuing agency (Courts Service of Ireland) inferred from title.
- SRCPurpose (executor acceptance/refusal) inferred from form name.
- SRCSubmission location (Probate Office of High Court) inferred from typical probate practice.
- SRCElectronic filing possibility based on Courts Service e‑filing portal availability.
- SRCDeadlines and timing inferred from standard probate timelines.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source for exact deadline length and witness requirement.
Common confusion points
Mixing up acceptance and refusal sections.
Submitting to the District Court instead of the High Court Probate Office.
Leaving the date blank, causing the court to request a re‑submission.
Assuming an electronic copy is automatically accepted without a receipt.
Failing to attach a required witness signature where the court requires it.
Using an older form version that lacks the current signature line.
Source transparency
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