Statement of Claim
Information
If a High Court case has been commenced by a plenary summons, and the Defendant has entered an appearance, then the next step is for the Plaintiff to serve a "Statement of Claim" on the Defendant.
The Plaintiff has 21 days to deliver the Statement of Claim after the Defendant has entered an appearance. It is not necessary to serve the Statement of Claim personally on the Defendant - it may simply be sent by ordinary post.
The purpose of the Statement of Claim is to show the Defendant the case that is being made against him/her, which he or she has to meet at the trial of the action.
Rules
The Statement of Claim must contain the following information:
- The title and record number. The Plaintiff's name and the Defendant's name make up the title of the proceedings.
- A description of the parties. The Statement of Claim must state the surname, first name, the residence or place of business and the occupation of the Plaintiff and the Defendant.
- The Statement of Claim must state the nature, extent and grounds of the Plaintiff's claim against the Defendant. It should clearly set out the allegations that are being made by the Plaintiff and the damage that the Plaintiff suffered. It should also state what the Plaintiff is seeking from the court.
- The Statement of Claim must be dated and signed by the Plaintiff or his/her solicitor.
Language
Related Documents
- Writs and pleadings
This document provides a general overview of writs and pleadings in civil cases in Ireland. - Civil Bills
In Ireland, a Civil Bill is a document that you must serve on the Defendant in order to commence proceedings in the Circuit Court. - Delivering the Defence in a civil case
This document discusses what happens when a Defendant delivers a "Defence" to the plaintiff during a civil case in the Circuit Court or the High Court in Ireland.
Contact Us
If you have a question relating to this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0761 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 9pm) or you can visit your local Citizens Information Centre.