The questions and answers below represent the combined questions raised during the Courts Portal CPD webinar held on 23 October 2026.
Does the vouching documentation for a Statement of Truth of Means need to be uploaded before a record number is issued?
No. Vouching documentation can be filed separately at a later stage.
Can an “enter manually” option be made available at an early stage in the Civil Bill or Affidavit of Means?
For a Civil Bill, you can paste an entire drafted indorsement of claim into the supporting information section under Case details.
You can also paste a complete set of reliefs sought into the Orders sought section by selecting Enter manually.
Some additional information must be entered separately because it is required for the Circuit Family Law forms being introduced on 23 November 2026.
We will continue to work with practitioners and consider how the process can be streamlined based on their feedback. Any changes must continue to comply with court rules, particularly the requirements applying to official court forms.
Will original sworn documents still need to be physically filed with the court office?
Affidavits are replaced by Statements of Truth when filing through the Courts Portal. In accordance with the Digital Court Rules, Statements of Truth are not sworn and the digital document is the original. There is therefore no need to file a physical copy separately with the court office.
How will pension adjustment orders and the filing of Notices to Trustees work?
Notices to Trustees can be filed through the Courts Portal.
For now, we recommend that Notices to Trustees be served physically on trustees. We are working to facilitate the digital service of Notices to Trustees and will provide further information in the future.
How does a solicitor acting for a respondent come on record?
The applicant, or the solicitor acting for the applicant, can serve the issued originating documents on the solicitor for the respondent, if known. Alternatively, the documents can be served directly on the respondent, who can then share the service details with their solicitor.
The solicitor for the respondent can access the case in the portal using a secure link. They can then file an Entry of Appearance and supporting documents on behalf of the respondent.
Can an appearance be lodged through the portal if the case was initiated physically?
No. At present, a case must be initiated through the Courts Portal before either party can make subsequent filings for that case through the portal.
Will physical filings continue to be accepted after the new online forms are introduced?
Yes. You can continue to file documents physically.
From 23 November 2026, documents filed physically must use the new Circuit Family Law forms coming into effect on that date.
When filing through the Courts Portal, the portal will generate the correct version of the form based on the information entered into the online forms.
Will the new Circuit Family filing process apply in Dublin only or in all Circuits?
It is currently possible to file electronically through the Courts Portal in all Circuits. The new forms being introduced on 23 November 2026 will also apply to filings in all Circuits.
Can online forms be edited before they are signed?
Yes. You can edit an online form at any time before it is submitted.
If you edit a form that has already been signed, the signature will be voided and the form will need to be signed again.
Do I have to enter all the information again if revisions are required?
No. The information entered into your online forms is saved as you progress and does not need to be entered again when you make changes.
Is there a fee for a self-represented person applying for a divorce through the Courts Portal?
No. There are no court fees for Circuit Family Law filings, whether they are made online or physically.
Can proceedings drafted by counsel be uploaded to the portal?
This is not currently possible. However, there are two parts of the online form where information drafted by counsel can be pasted:
- The Additional supporting information section can be used to enter the indorsement of claim.
- The Orders sought section can be used to enter reliefs sought as drafted by counsel.
How are motions dealt with in the portal?
Select Notice of Motion as the type of filing you want to make. The portal will guide you through the online Notice of Motion form.
When the court office has reviewed and listed the filing, you will receive an email notification. A message will also appear in the Case updates section of your portal homepage.
The court date, time and venue will be printed at the top of the issued motion. You can then serve the issued motion digitally or physically.
How is a marriage certificate dealt with in the portal?
When initiating proceedings through the portal, you must upload a scanned copy of the marriage certificate.
You should bring the original marriage certificate with you whenever you attend court, as the court may ask you to produce it.
Is there a precedent application for substituted service?
Yes. If a respondent cannot be served through the normal process, the portal will guide you through filing an Ex Parte application for leave to issue and serve proceedings.
Can solicitors sign Statements of Truth on behalf of their clients?
No. However, a client can sign a Statement of Truth in the presence of their solicitor using the solicitor’s device to access the portal.
Can a draft Civil Bill be printed to discuss with the client?
Yes. The preview document feature allows you to view and print a draft Civil Bill before it is signed.
