Part I: No. 31 Citation to Bring in Probate or Administration

What this form is for

• • When you are the executor named in a will and need to start probate.
• • When there is no will and you are applying for letters of administration.
• • When you must give legal notice to creditors or potential heirs.
• • When the estate is being administered in a District Court jurisdiction.
• • When you need an official court record of the start of the proceeding.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

File the citation as soon as possible after death, typically within a few weeks, to avoid unnecessary delays before applying for a grant of probate or letters of administration.

Before you submit

• • Completed form with all fields filled.
• • Applicant’s signature and date.
• • Certified copy of death certificate attached.
• • Correct court name and address entered.
• • Correct spelling of deceased’s full name.
• • Applicable fee (if any) attached or noted.
• • Copy of the will (if applicable) included.
• • Proof of identity for the applicant (e.g., photo ID).
• • Return receipt or proof of delivery saved.

How to file this form

1. 1Download the latest Part I: No. 31 form from courts.ie.
2. 2Print and complete the form in black ink.
3. 3Attach a certified copy of the death certificate.
4. 4Add any required supporting documents (will, ID).
5. 5Post or hand‑deliver the package to the appropriate Probate Office.
6. 6Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of filing.
7. 7Keep a copy for your records.

Known limitations

• • Form is only for starting probate or administration; it does not grant the probate itself.
• • Electronic filing is limited to courts that have enabled the e‑filing service.
• • The form does not accept electronic signatures.
• • Only one citation per estate is required; duplicate filings cause confusion.