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.
Solicitors can submit applications for grants of probate nationwide using the Courts Portal.
Support for applications for grants of administration intestate and personal applications will follow over the coming months.
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 filings.
Can I pay court fees online?
Yes. Fees must be paid at submission. The following methods of payment 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 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?
Circuit Family matters: Typically, filings submitted before 2pm on a working day will be reviewed the same day. Later submissions will normally be reviewed on the next working day.
Probate applications: Original documentation must be submitted physically after you complete your online application. The filing will be reviewed as soon as possible after the required original documentation is received.
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 view the case.
- If the case has approved filings, you will see the status of all the filings in the Filed Documents section.
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.
Learn more about Statements of Truth.
Is it equivalent to an Affidavit?
Yes. Under Section 21 of the Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2020, it can replace an affidavit or statutory declaration.
How is the Statement of Truth signed?
It is signed electronically in the Courts Portal. You can send a request to the applicant(s) to sign the document in the portal.
You need to have an email address and mobile phone number for each applicant. Signing is quick and easy and can be done from a mobile device.
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 to 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.
Are there any restrictions when applying for probate online?
Yes. The following restrictions apply:
- Only applications for grants of probate are supported at the moment.
- Only applications from solicitors are supported. Support for personal applications will be added later.
- Foreign domicile applications are not supported.
- The date of death of the deceased must be on or after 5 December 2001.
- All applicants must be:
- over 18 years of age
- able to make their own decisions
- named executors in the will
Can I request additional copies of documents when I apply for probate online?
Yes, this is supported.
The fee you will be charged will reflect the amount due for the application itself as well as for any additional copies of documents that you request.
Do I need to prepare an Oath when applying for probate online?
No. The portal will guide you through generating a Statement of Truth of Executor to replace the Oath.
Can I submit scanned Deeds of Renunciation online with my application for probate?
Yes. For Deeds of Renunciation, you have the option of uploading a scan of a deed signed in wet ink. The portal also supports generating the deed electronically.
Do I still need to submit the original Will when I apply for probate online?
Yes. You need to submit the original Will along with original codicils and maps, if applicable. The original documents need to be signed on the back by the applicants. You also need to submit a certified copy of the original documents.
When you get to the end of the online submission process, the portal provides a cover sheet with instructions outlining the steps to follow.
How do I get support?
Email [email protected]
