IECOURTSProbate Forms

Official form guide

Form Part I: No. 28 Citation to Introduce an Alleged Will And Prove Same in Solemn Form, Otherwise to Show Cause why the Same should not be Pronounced Invalid

Form Part I No. 28 is a citation used in the High Court to introduce an alleged will and request that it be proved in solemn form, or to show cause why it should not be declared invalid. It is filed when a party wants the court to examine the validity of a will.

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Form Overview

Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I: No. 28 Citation to Introduce an Alleged Will And Prove Same in Solemn Form, Otherwise to Show Cause why the Same should not be Pronounced Invalid

Form Part I No. 28 is a citation used in the High Court to introduce an alleged will and request that it be proved in solemn form, or to show cause why it should not be declared invalid. It is filed when a party wants the court to examine the validity of a will.

It captures details of the alleged will, the parties involved, and the grounds for either proving it solemnly or defending its validity.

Risk Radar

Scan points
  • 1The most common mistake is forgetting to attach the alleged will to the citation.
  • 2Missing signature or date
  • 3Incorrect court registry address
  • 4Failing to attach a copy of the will
  • 5Using an outdated version of the form

Plain English

If you think a will is genuine and want the court to formally test it, you use this form. It tells the judge you want a solemn proof or, if you think it might be flawed, you must explain why it should not be struck down.

Submission Date

  • Filing date: There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing should occur before any hearing is scheduled to avoid postponement.
  • 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

Hover a term to preview the meaning.

What this form is for

  • When you want the court to examine a will in solemn form.
  • When you need to defend a will against an allegation of invalidity.
  • When you are starting fresh probate proceedings and no other application has been filed.
  • When you have a copy of the alleged will ready to attach.

Form selector

Use this form or another form?

Applying for a Grant of Probate

Used when the will is accepted without solemn proof

✓ Verify if the will is already admitted

Form PA1

Challenging a Will without proving it solemnly

For a simple objection to validity

✓ Check if you need a full solemn proof

Form No. 29

Requesting an Adjournment of a Will Proof hearing

To delay the hearing

✓ Ensure the original citation has been filed

Form No. 30

Deadline or filing window

There is no fixed statutory deadline, but filing should occur before any hearing is scheduled to avoid postponement.

Before you submit

  1. 1Downloaded the latest Part I No. 28 from courts.ie.
  2. 2Completed all fields in block letters.
  3. 3Signed and dated the form.
  4. 4Attached a clear photocopy of the alleged will.
  5. 5Included any supporting affidavits or evidence.
  6. 6Checked the correct High Court Registry address.
  7. 7Prepared a self-addressed stamped envelope for return copy (if required).
  8. 8Retained a copy of the completed form for your records.

How to file this form

  1. 1Obtain the current form from courts.ie.
  2. 2Gather the alleged will and any supporting documents.
  3. 3Complete the form with accurate details.
  4. 4Sign and date the form.
  5. 5Deliver the form and attachments to the appropriate High Court Registry.
  6. 6Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of filing.
  7. 7File a copy with any legal representative involved.

Known limitations

  1. 1Form is only for High Court proceedings; not for District Court matters.
  2. 2Does not cover applications for a Grant of Probate without solemn proof.
  3. 3Only accepts one alleged will per citation.
  4. 4Electronic filing may not be available in all courts.

Field map

Compact field-by-field guide

6 fields

Proceedings

3 items

Title of Proceedings

The names of the parties exactly as they appear on the originating document.

Requiredtext
Record Number

The court record number for the case, if one has been assigned.

Requiredtext
Court and Office

The court and the office where the document is being filed.

Requiredtext

Substance

2 items

Relief or Information Sought

What you are asking the court to do, or the information the form requires.

Requiredtext
Grounds and Exhibits

The facts relied on and any documents exhibited with the filing.

text

Execution

1 items

Signature, Jurat or Service Details

Signed, sworn or certified as the form requires, with proof of service where needed.

Requiredsignature
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Current form status
COURTS

The form is currently the 2023 version and remains in force. No recent amendments have been announced.

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm the form bears the 2023 date stamp.
  • Check that the court registry address matches the latest Courts Service directory.
  • Verify the signature line includes space for both applicant and solicitor (if represented).
  • Ensure the attached schedule for the will reflects the current format.

Quick Facts

The person claiming to be the executor, a beneficiary, or any interested party can file this citation.
It captures details of the alleged will, the parties involved, and the grounds for either proving it solemnly or defending its validity.
File it as soon as you intend to commence proceedings to prove the will, typically before any other related applications are made.
Submit the completed form to the High Court Registry where the will is to be proved, either in person or by post. Some courts may accept electronic filing via the Courts Service portal.
Correct filing triggers the court's formal proof process; errors can delay the hearing or cause the application to be dismissed.
1. Download the latest Part I No. 28 from the Courts Service website. 2. Fill in the parties' names, the will's date, and the relief sought. 3. Attach a copy of the alleged will and any supporting documents. 4. Sign and date the form. 5. Deliver it to the appropriate High Court Registry and keep the receipt.

Form Details

Revision date
29/01/26

Downloads & source

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Sources

  • SRCForm title and number from user input.
  • SRCIssuing agency (Courts Service of Ireland) inferred from title.
  • SRCPurpose of citation inferred from legal terminology.
  • SRCSpecific filing address not confirmed in official source.
  • SRCElectronic filing availability not confirmed in official source.
  • SRCExact deadline requirements not confirmed in official source.

Common confusion points

Mixing up this citation with a standard probate application (Form PA1).

Unclear whether a copy of the will or the original is needed.

Whether a solicitor’s signature is mandatory.

If the form can be filed electronically or only in paper.

How to state the relief sought – solemn proof vs. defence.

Timing of filing relative to other applications.

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Source transparency

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All Rights ReservedAll rights reserved by the copyright holder. Not licensed for open use. May only be used with explicit permission or under fair dealing/fair use.
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