No.2 Petition (General Form)

What this form is for

• • Use for starting a new civil claim in District or Circuit Court.
• • Use for family law applications such as divorce or child custody.
• • Use when no specialised petition form exists for your matter.
• • Do not use for criminal matters or appeals – separate forms apply.
• • Select this form when the court requires a written statement of the relief sought.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

There is no set court deadline for filing a petition, but you must file before any statutory limitation period for your claim expires.

Before you submit

• • All parties’ names and addresses are correct.
• • Correct court (District, Circuit, High) is selected.
• • Petition is signed and, if required, witnessed.
• • Supporting documents are attached and labelled.
• • Filing fee paid and receipt attached.
• • Form is legible or fully typed.
• • Copy of the completed form retained for records.
• • If filing online, confirmation email saved.
• • Check that the correct number of copies are prepared.

How to file this form

1. 1Download the latest Form No.2 from courts.ie.
2. 2Complete the form in full, typing where possible.
3. 3Gather and label all required supporting documents.
4. 4Pay the applicable filing fee at the court or online.
5. 5Submit the form and documents in person, by post, or via e‑filing.
6. 6Obtain and keep the filing receipt or electronic confirmation.
7. 7Serve copies on the other parties as required by court rules.

Known limitations

• • Form does not cover specialised matters such as bankruptcy or probate.
• • Only accepts paper signatures; electronic signatures are not accepted in all courts.
• • Limited to civil and family jurisdictions – not valid for criminal cases.
• • No built‑in validation for statutory time‑limits – user must check separately.