Form 26 - Application for Side-Bar Order
Form 26 is used to request a private meeting with a judge during court proceedings, known as a 'side-bar' discussion. This allows legal representatives to speak with the judge outside the presence of other parties in the courtroom.
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Form 26 - Application for Side-Bar Order
Form 26 is used to request a private meeting with a judge during court proceedings, known as a 'side-bar' discussion. This allows legal representatives to speak with the judge outside the presence of other parties in the courtroom.
Risk Radar
- Always provide a clear, specific reason for requesting the side-bar meeting.
- Insufficient explanation for requesting a private discussion
- Missing case reference number
- Failing to serve copies on all parties
- Submitting too close to the hearing date
Plain English
If you need to talk privately with the judge during your court case, you'll use this form to make that request. The side-bar gives you a chance to discuss matters that shouldn't be heard by everyone in the courtroom.
Submission Date
- Submit this form as early as possible before your hearing, ideally at least 3-5 working days in advance to allow proper processing and notification of all parties.
- Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
- Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.
What this form is for
- • Use when you need to discuss matters in private with the judge
- • Use when sensitive information shouldn't be shared in open court
- • Use when you need urgent judicial guidance during proceedings
- • Use when you need to clarify procedural matters with the judge
- • Do not use for routine communications with the court
Use this form or another form?
| Situation | Likely form | Why it matters | Check before you continue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Request for adjournment | Form 12 - Application for Adjournment | If you need to delay your hearing date | Check if your reason qualifies for an adjournment |
| Request for case management directions | Form 14 - Application for Directions | If you need guidance on case procedures | Ensure you've tried to resolve issues with other parties first |
| Application to vary orders | Form 10 - Application to Vary Orders | If you need to change existing court orders | Check if the orders can be varied by agreement |
| Request for disclosure of documents | Form 15 - Application for Discovery | If you need access to other parties' documents | Ensure you've made reasonable requests directly first |
Deadline or filing window
Submit this form as early as possible before your hearing, ideally at least 3-5 working days in advance to allow proper processing and notification of all parties.
Before you submit
- • Complete all sections of the form
- • Include accurate case reference number
- • Provide specific reasons for the side-bar request
- • Prepare copies for all parties
- • Verify court filing fees are paid
- • Check if electronic submission is available
- • Confirm hearing date and time
How to file this form
- 1Obtain the correct Form 26 from the Courts Service
- 2Complete all required sections with accurate information
- 3Prepare copies for all parties involved in the case
- 4Submit to the relevant court office before the hearing
- 5Pay any required filing fees
- 6Obtain proof of submission
- 7Serve copies on all other parties
Known limitations
- • The judge may deny the request without providing reasons
- • Not all matters qualify for private discussion
- • The form must be submitted through proper court channels
- • Last-minute requests may not be accommodated
- • The side-bar discussion is subject to court rules and procedures
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✦ Open in AI EditorCurrent Form Status
This is the current version of Form 26, but court procedures may change. Check the Courts Service website for the most recent version before submitting.
Agency: Courts Service of Ireland
What changed or needs a fresh check
- • Verify the form matches your court location
- • Check if any recent rule changes affect side-bar procedures
- • Confirm electronic filing options are available
- • Ensure contact information is current
- • Check if any additional supporting documents are now required
Quick Facts
Form Details
- Agency
- Courts Service of Ireland
- Category
- Other Court Forms
- Source
- Court Forms ↗
- Revision Date
- 22/07/25
Downloads
Form 26 - Application for Side-Bar Order
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After you file
- • Keep proof of submission for your records
- • Monitor for any responses from the court
- • Prepare for the side-bar discussion if approved
- • Continue with regular court preparations
- • Check if any orders resulted from the side-bar
- • Notify your client or relevant parties of the outcome
Source and verification log
- • Form name and number confirmed from provided information
- • Issuing agency confirmed as Courts Service of Ireland
- • Purpose inferred from 'Side-Bar Order' terminology
- • Submission methods inferred from standard court procedures
- • Deadline information based on standard court practices
- • Not confirmed in official source: specific required supporting documents
- • Not confirmed in official source: exact filing fees
- • Not confirmed in official source: electronic filing availability
Common confusion points
7 things to watch for
- 1
Confusing side-bar requests with motions for adjournment
- 2
Not understanding that side-bar discussions are not private from the parties
- 3
Assuming all requests for private discussion will be granted
- 4
Failing to serve copies on all parties
- 5
Not providing sufficient legal grounds for the request
- 6
Using this form for routine communications instead of urgent matters
- 7
Misunderstanding the timing and procedure for side-bar requests
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