No.31 Invitation to Lodge a Claim

What this form is for

• • When you have received a formal invitation to lodge a claim from the Courts Service.
• • When the invitation specifies a High Court or Circuit Court matter.
• • If you need to start a claim that has been pre‑conditioned by the court.
• • Instead of a standard claim form, which is used when no invitation has been issued.

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

The invitation will state a specific number of days (often 14 or 28) from the date of service; this is the absolute deadline for lodging the claim.

Before you submit

• • Read the invitation for the exact deadline.
• • Enter claimant and defendant details exactly as on official IDs.
• • Match the claim description to the wording in the invitation.
• • Sign and date the form in the correct place.
• • Attach all required supporting documents.
• • Use the correct court address or upload portal.
• • Keep a copy of the completed form and proof of posting or upload receipt.
• • Confirm receipt with the court registry if no acknowledgment is received within 5 days.

How to file this form

1. 1Gather the invitation letter and any supporting evidence.
2. 2Complete Form No.31 on paper or the online portal.
3. 3Double‑check all names, dates and court details.
4. 4Sign the form and attach required documents.
5. 5Deliver the form to the court registry by post, in person, or upload it online.
6. 6Obtain and file the receipt or proof of service.
7. 7Monitor for any follow‑up correspondence from the court.

Known limitations

• • Form only applies to invitations issued by the Courts Service, not private notices.
• • Does not replace a full claim form where a new cause of action is being started.
• • Electronic filing may not be available for all courts.
• • No guidance on fees is included; separate fee schedule must be consulted.