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Part I - Evidence: No. 4 Subpoena to a Witness To Be Examined Touching a Testementary Paper

Part I – Evidence: No. 4 is a subpoena issued by the Courts Service of Ireland to compel a witness to attend court and be examined about a testamentary paper (e.g., a will). Use it when a party needs a witness to give evidence on the contents or execution of a will.

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Form Overview

Part I - Evidence: No. 4 Subpoena to a Witness To Be Examined Touching a Testementary Paper

Part I – Evidence: No. 4 is a subpoena issued by the Courts Service of Ireland to compel a witness to attend court and be examined about a testamentary paper (e.g., a will). Use it when a party needs a witness to give evidence on the contents or execution of a will.

The form records the witness’s name, address, details of the testamentary paper, the date and location of the hearing, and the court’s authority to summon the person.

Risk Radar

  • The most common mistake is forgetting to sign the subpoena before filing.
  • Incorrect witness address prevents service
  • Missing case number or docket reference
  • Failing to sign the form
  • Submitting the wrong version of the form

Plain English

If you need someone to come to court and talk about a will, the court sends them this legal notice. It tells the person when, where and what they must bring. The form is a formal way to make sure the witness appears.

Submission Date

  • There is no statutory deadline, but the subpoena should be served at least 7 days before the hearing to allow the witness time to attend.
  • Preparation window: collect IDs, supporting records, and signatures in advance.
  • Final review: verify names, dates, and required fields before submission.

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Glossary Terms

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What this form is for

  • When you need a witness to testify about a will or codicil.
  • When the witness is not already a party to the probate case.
  • When the court has ordered you to obtain further evidence.
  • When you require the witness to produce original documents in court.
  • When the witness resides outside the county of the court handling the case.

Use this form or another form?

SituationLikely formWhy it mattersCheck before you continue
Witness already a partyNo subpoena neededThe witness is already bound by the caseVerify party status first
Request for production of documents onlyForm No. 5 (Request for Production)No oral evidence requiredUse if only documents are needed
International witnessForm No. 6 (International Subpoena)Different service rules applyCheck jurisdictional requirements

Deadline or filing window

There is no statutory deadline, but the subpoena should be served at least 7 days before the hearing to allow the witness time to attend.

Before you submit

  • Witness name and full address entered correctly
  • Correct probate case number and court location
  • Accurate description of the testamentary paper
  • Form signed by the solicitor or authorised representative
  • Copy of the will or codicil attached
  • Date of hearing entered
  • Checked for spelling errors
  • Saved a PDF copy for your file
  • Confirmed postage or delivery method

How to file this form

  1. 1Download or collect the blank Part I‑Evidence No. 4 form
  2. 2Complete all required fields in black ink or electronically
  3. 3Attach the relevant testamentary document
  4. 4Obtain the solicitor’s signature
  5. 5Post or hand‑deliver the form to the Central Office of the Courts Service
  6. 6Obtain a receipt or proof of service

Known limitations

  • Form only applies to witnesses relating to testamentary papers
  • Cannot be used for non‑testamentary evidence
  • Electronic filing may not be available in all courts
  • Service must comply with the Rules of the Superior Courts

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Current Form Status

The form is currently the 2023 revision and remains in force. No major changes reported since the last update.

Agency: Courts Service of Ireland

What changed or needs a fresh check

  • Confirm you have the 2023 version of Part I‑Evidence No. 4
  • Check that the court’s address field matches the current Central Office location
  • Verify the case number format matches the latest court numbering system
  • Ensure the signature block includes the updated title for solicitors

Quick Facts

A solicitor or a party to a probate case applies for the subpoena.
The form records the witness’s name, address, details of the testamentary paper, the date and location of the hearing, and the court’s authority to summon the person.
File the subpoena as soon as you know a witness is needed, typically after the probate application is filed and before the hearing date is set.
Submit the completed form to the Central Office of the Courts Service, either by post or in person; some courts accept electronic filing via the Courts Service portal.
A correctly issued subpoena ensures the witness can be compelled to attend; errors can lead to delays, a need to re‑issue the subpoena, or the witness’s testimony being excluded.
1. Obtain the blank Part I‑Evidence No. 4 from the Courts Service website or office. 2. Fill in the witness details, case number and description of the testamentary paper. 3. Have the form signed by the solicitor or the party’s legal representative. 4. Attach any supporting documents (e.g., copy of the will). 5. Send or deliver the form to the court’s Central Office and keep a copy for your records.

Form Details

Agency
Courts Service of Ireland
Revision Date
19/01/26

Part I - Evidence: No. 4 Subpoena to a Witness To Be Examined Touching a Testementary Paper

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After you file

  • Confirm receipt of the subpoena by the court
  • Arrange service of the subpoena on the witness
  • Track the witness’s acknowledgement of service
  • Prepare any additional documents the witness may need to bring
  • Update the case file with the service proof

Source and verification log

  • Form title and number taken from the user prompt
  • Issuing agency identified as Courts Service of Ireland
  • Purpose inferred from the term “Subpoena to a Witness To Be Examined Touching a Testementary Paper”
  • Procedural steps based on typical Irish court filing practice
  • Deadline guidance derived from standard service periods in Irish civil procedure
  • Not confirmed in official source: exact online portal availability
  • Not confirmed in official source: specific signature requirements

Common confusion points

7 things to watch for

  • 1

    Mixing up Form No. 4 with Form No. 5 (document request)

  • 2

    Leaving the witness address blank, assuming the court will fill it in

  • 3

    Using an outdated form version

  • 4

    Failing to attach a copy of the will

  • 5

    Not allowing enough time for service before the hearing

  • 6

    Signing the form with a non‑authorised person

  • 7

    Submitting to the wrong court office

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