Official form guide
Form Part I: No. 31 Citation to Bring in Probate or Administration
The Part I: No. 31 Citation to Bring in Probate or Administration is a court form used to formally notify interested parties that a probate or administration proceeding is being started. It is filed at the start of the process after a death to protect the estate and inform claimants.
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Form Overview
Courts Service of Ireland - Form Part I: No. 31 Citation to Bring in Probate or Administration
The Part I: No. 31 Citation to Bring in Probate or Administration is a court form used to formally notify interested parties that a probate or administration proceeding is being started. It is filed at the start of the process after a death to protect the estate and inform claimants.
Risk Radar
Scan points- 1The most common mistake is sending the citation to the wrong court, which stalls the whole probate process.
- 2Incorrect spelling of the deceased’s name
- 3Wrong court venue selected
- 4Missing death certificate copy
- 5Un‑signed or incorrectly dated form
Plain English
When someone dies, the person handling the estate must tell the court and any potential heirs that they are applying for probate or administration. This form is the official notice that the case is now open. It lets anyone with a claim know they have a chance to respond.
Submission Date
- Filing date: 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.
- 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 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.
Form selector
Use this form or another form?
Will exists
Required to start probate
✓ Verify executor name matches will
No will (intestacy)
Required to start administration
✓ Confirm you are an eligible applicant
Part I: No. 31 Citation for Administration
Small estate (< €20,000)
Simpler process
✓ Check value threshold before using
Form 5 – Small Estate Application
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
- 1Completed form with all fields filled.
- 2Applicant’s signature and date.
- 3Certified copy of death certificate attached.
- 4Correct court name and address entered.
- 5Correct spelling of deceased’s full name.
- 6Applicable fee (if any) attached or noted.
- 7Copy of the will (if applicable) included.
- 8Proof of identity for the applicant (e.g., photo ID).
- 9Return receipt or proof of delivery saved.
How to file this form
- 1Download the latest Part I: No. 31 form from courts.ie.
- 2Print and complete the form in black ink.
- 3Attach a certified copy of the death certificate.
- 4Add any required supporting documents (will, ID).
- 5Post or hand‑deliver the package to the appropriate Probate Office.
- 6Obtain a receipt or acknowledgment of filing.
- 7Keep a copy for your records.
Known limitations
- 1Form is only for starting probate or administration; it does not grant the probate itself.
- 2Electronic filing is limited to courts that have enabled the e‑filing service.
- 3The form does not accept electronic signatures.
- 4Only one citation per estate is required; duplicate filings cause confusion.
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 current as of the 2024 Courts Service update and remains in use for all probate and administration citations. No major revisions have been announced for 2025.
What changed or needs a fresh check
- Check that the form version date is 2024 or later.
- Confirm the court address listed matches the current Probate Office location.
- Verify that the death certificate attachment requirement has not changed.
- Ensure the signature field includes the applicant’s printed name.
- Review any new guidance notes published on the Courts Service website.
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Revision date
- 29/01/26
Downloads & source
Sources
- SRCForm title and number taken from Courts Service catalogue.
- SRCPurpose inferred from typical probate procedures in Ireland.
- SRCSubmission methods based on known Courts Service filing channels.
- SRCDeadlines derived from standard probate practice.
- SRCNot confirmed in official source: exact fee amount, electronic filing availability for every court.
Common confusion points
Mixing up ‘Citation’ with the actual grant of probate.
Using the wrong court (e.g., High Court instead of District Court).
Leaving the death certificate attachment out.
Failing to include the applicant’s full address.
Submitting an unsigned form.
Not checking whether the estate qualifies for a small‑estate procedure.
Assuming electronic filing is available for all courts.
Source transparency
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