Find answers to common questions about the Courts Portal, including who can use it, supported proceedings, registration and getting started.
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 supported matters. Through the portal 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?
The Courts Portal can be used by self-represented parties and legal practitioners.
Can I file all types of documents and proceedings?
Not yet. The Courts Portal currently supports:
- Circuit Family Law cases nationwide.
- Applications for Grants of Probate submitted by solicitors nationwide.
Support for applications for Grants of Administration Intestate and personal applications will be introduced in future releases.
The first (initiating) filing for a case must be made through the portal before any subsequent filings for that case can also be made through the portal.
Additional proceedings and applications will be added over time.
Can I view historical information about proceedings?
You can only view proceedings or applications that were initiated through the Courts Portal. Proceedings that were started by filing documents physically with a court office cannot be viewed in the portal.
How do I sign up?
- Visit portal.courts.ie.
- Select Sign In / Register.
- Select Sign up now.
- Follow the registration steps.
Self-represented parties must verify their email address and mobile phone number.
Legal firms must provide additional information when registering. Each member of a legal firm registers using their own individual account.
Do I need specific software?
You only need a web browser and an internet connection to use the Courts Portal. The portal is also compatible with mobile devices.
Some Circuit Family forms currently need to be completed using Microsoft Word.
Do all parties need to be signed up?
No. You can initiate proceedings online even if the other party does not use the portal. Other parties may choose to file documents online or continue filing physically with the court office.
What if the other party files physically?
This is acceptable. While you continue using the Courts Portal for your own filings, documents submitted by the other party will typically be served on you using the traditional process.
