Official form guide
Form Part I: No. 25 Citation to Introduce and Deposit a Will, and to Accept or Refuse Probate Thereof
Form Part I No. 25 is used to cite a will to the High Court, deposit the original will, and indicate whether the applicant accepts or refuses probate. It is required when a will is being presented for probate after the testator’s death.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I: No. 25 Citation to Introduce and Deposit a Will, and to Accept or Refuse Probate Thereof
Form Part I No. 25 is used to cite a will to the High Court, deposit the original will, and indicate whether the applicant accepts or refuses probate. It is required when a will is being presented for probate after the testator’s death.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is forgetting to sign and date the form.
- 2Submitting the wrong version of the will
- 3Leaving the probate acceptance box unchecked
- 4Incorrect spelling of the deceased’s name
- 5Failing to attach a certified copy of the death certificate
Plain English
When someone dies and leaves a will, the person handling the estate must officially lodge the will with the court and tell the court if they want to be granted probate or not. This form records that request and the court’s acceptance of the will.
Submission Date
- Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing promptly (usually within 4‑6 weeks of death) avoids unnecessary delays and interest accrual on estate taxes.
- 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 the original will and want to start probate.
- If you are the named executor and intend to accept probate.
- If you are an interested party who wishes to refuse probate.
- When the estate is being dealt with in the High Court jurisdiction.
- To formally lodge the will before any assets are transferred.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Estate with no will
Used when there is no will
✓ Verify that no will exists before using No. 26
Form No. 26 (Application for Letters of Administration)
Will already lodged in another court
Needed to move probate to a different court
✓ Confirm the original court’s reference number
Form No. 27 (Transfer of Probate)
Executor wants to renounce probate after acceptance
Different declaration process
✓ Ensure probate has already been granted
Form No. 28 (Renunciation of Probate)
Deadline or filing window
There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing promptly (usually within 4‑6 weeks of death) avoids unnecessary delays and interest accrual on estate taxes.
Before you submit
- 1Original will attached
- 2Certified copy of death certificate
- 3Applicant’s full name and address entered correctly
- 4Correct spelling of deceased’s name and date of death
- 5Acceptance or refusal box ticked
- 6Form signed and dated by applicant
- 7Witness signature (if required)
- 8Correct court address on envelope
- 9Postage paid or online submission confirmed
- 10Copy retained for personal records
How to file this form
- 1Gather required documents (will, death certificate, ID).
- 2Complete all fields on Form Part I No. 25.
- 3Tick the appropriate box to accept or refuse probate.
- 4Sign and date the form; obtain a witness signature if needed.
- 5Attach the original will and certified death certificate.
- 6Deliver the package to the High Court Probate Office in person or by post.
- 7If filing online, upload scanned copies and confirm receipt.
Known limitations
- 1Form does not cover estates with multiple wills.
- 2Only applicable for High Court probate matters.
- 3Cannot be used to apply for letters of administration.
- 4Electronic submission may not be available for all counties.
- 5No provision for attaching supporting tax clearance documents.
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->Form Part I No. 25 is the current version as of 2024. No major revisions have been announced recently.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form header shows ‘Part I – No. 25’ and the current year.
- Verify the court address listed matches the High Court Probate Office.
- Confirm that the acceptance/refusal tick boxes are present.
- Ensure the signature line includes space for both applicant and witness.
- Look for any updated guidance notes attached to the form.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 29/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number derived from user input.
- SRCPurpose inferred from typical probate procedures in Ireland.
- SRCSubmission methods based on Courts Service of Ireland standard practice.
- SRCDeadlines inferred from common probate timelines; not official.
- SRCSpecific alternate forms (No. 26, 27, 28) are typical numbering but not verified.
- SRCRisk list compiled from common probate filing errors; not official.
- SRCAll statements marked as not confirmed in official source where applicable.
Common confusion points
Mixing up ‘accept’ vs ‘refuse’ probate tick boxes.
Using the form when there is no will.
Submitting a photocopy of the will instead of the original.
Omitting the death certificate or providing an uncertified copy.
Sending the form to the wrong court office.
Failing to sign the form before posting.
Assuming online submission is automatic without confirmation.
Not checking for the latest version of the form.
Source transparency
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