What is the Courts Portal?
The Courts Portal is a website that allows legal practitioners and people who are self-represented to interact online with the Courts Service for some matters. For supported proceeding types you can start new cases, manage cases that were initiated digitally, electronically sign documents, review court dates and access court orders — all in one place.
Who can use the portal?
Self-represented parties and legal practitioners can use the portal.
Can I file all types of documents and proceedings in the portal?
Currently, filings in Circuit Family Law cases are supported nationwide.
Some Probate application types are in pilot with a specific group of users.
The first (initiating) filing for a case must be made through the portal in order to make any subsequent filings for that case through the portal.
We are working on adding support for more types of applications and proceedings in the portal and we will communicate further on that as changes happen.
Can I view historical information about proceedings?
You can only view information about proceedings or applications that were initiated through the portal. It is not possible to view information about proceedings or applications that were initiated by filing documents physically with a court office.
How do I sign up?
- Visit https://portal.courts.ie
- Click on “Sign In / Register”
- Click on “Sign up now”
- Follow the guided process
Self-represented parties must verify email and mobile number.
Legal firms must provide additional details to register.
Everyone in a legal firm can register their own individual account.
Do I need specific software?
You only need a web browser and internet connection. The portal works on mobile devices.
Some Circuit Family forms must currently be completed using Microsoft Word.
Do all parties need to be signed up?
No. You can initiate proceedings online. Other parties may choose to file online or physically.
What if the other party files physically?
This is acceptable. Documents will typically be served on you in a traditional way while you continue using the portal to submit your fillings.
Can I pay court fees online?
Yes. Fees must be paid at submission. The following methods of payments are supported
- Legal firms: card or direct debit
- Self-represented parties: card only
How will I know about court dates?
- You will receive email notifications when dates are scheduled or changed
- You can view details of the court date in the the Case Updates section
- You can also view all court dates in the Court dates page.
How will I know about case updates?
You will receive email notifications and can view updates in the Case Updates section.
How long does it take to review filings?
Typically filings submitted before 2pm on a working day will be reviewed the same day and later submissions will be reviewed the same day and later submissions will be reviewed on the next working day.
Some applications (e.g. Probate) require physical documents before review is completed.
What happens if there is a problem with my documents?
Your filing will be marked as Revision Required. You will receive an email and can resubmit after making corrections.
You will not be charged again for previously paid fees.
Can I check the status of my filings?
Yes, view the case from your Cases page.
- If the first filing in the case has not been approved yet you will see the status information immediately when you the view the case.
- If the case has approved filings, you will see the status of all the filings in the Filed Documents section.
How do I get support?
Email [email protected]
What is a Statement of Truth?
A Statement of Truth is a legal document used to provide evidence or verify information.
Under the Digital Court Rules, Statements of Truth can only be filed electronically.
The maker of the Statement of Truth must confirm that they have an honest belief that the facts in the Statement of Truth are true, that they understand that it is a crime to sign and submit the statement if they do not honestly believe it is true and that they understand the consequences of making a false Statement of Truth which can include fines and imprisonment.
Yes. Under Section 21 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020, it can replace an affidavit or statutory declaration.
How does service of documents work?
Documents can be served digitally or physically. When serving documents digitally, there are two steps:
Digital Service Steps
- Issuing service: Select the party you want to serve and provide an email address for them. You can provide an email address for a solicitor representing the party, if known.
- Tracking delivery: You will receive a notification when the served documents have been accessed or after 72 hours if they have not yet been accessed. You may wish to serve the documents by other methods.
Learn more about digital service.
Can I serve exhibits?
Yes. Exhibits can be uploaded but are not filed with the court or visible to staff.
They are included when serving documents digitally.
You should keep the original of any exhibits you upload in the portal.
Do I need file proof of digital service?
Yes. The portal allows you to file proof of service and generates evidence of digital service as a supporting document.
