You should complete an Entry of Appearance form (Entry of Appearance form (Form 5)) to let the court know that you have received the Civil Bill and are acknowledging it.
Complete your Entry of Appearance form
This form must contain the following information (some of which you will find on the Civil Bill that you received):
- The name of the Circuit and County where the claim is being defended.
- Your mortgage lender's name as the Plaintiff and your name as the Defendant.
- The name and court office of the County Registrar and the name and address of your mortgage lender's solicitors.
- Your signature and the date that you signed the form.
Submit your Entry of Appearance form
You must submit your Entry of Appearance form to the Circuit Court office listed on the top of the Civil Bill. You do not have to pay a court fee to submit this form.
You should make three copies of the Entry of Appearance form: one for the court office, one to serve on the mortgage lender, and one for your own records.
Serve your Entry of Appearance form
You must serve (the sending of a copy of a court document in line with the relevant court rules) a copy of the Entry of Appearance form on your mortgage lender or their solicitor within ten days of receiving the Civil Bill.
You will need to provide proof of service at your court hearing. If you fail to serve this form within ten days, you must obtain written permission for late service from your mortgage lender's solicitor.
For more information on serving and proof of service, please see our serving and proof of service page.
