What you can do when you have been served with a summons
If you have been served with a Summons for a Civil Restraining Order , it means that another person has applied to the court for a civil restraining order against you.
It also means you must appear in court for the judge to make a decision on the application. The summons will tell you the date, time, and place of the hearing.
Once you have read and understood what's in the summons, your next steps are:
1. Consider legal advice and support services
If granted, civil restraining orders can restrict you from contacting or interacting with the applicant.
Visit our legal advice and mediation page to better understand your options.
You can also decide to represent yourself, but you will need to understand court procedures.
2. Attend your court hearing
The summons will tell you the date and time of the hearing. You must attend on the appointed date and time. The applicant is also expected to attend.
Hearings are held in private. Those allowed in court may include the judge, a court registrar, legal representatives, and a member of An Garda Síochána.
Both of you can give evidence under oath or affirmation. Cross-examination may take place. The judge will decide whether questions may be asked by a solicitor or barrister, or in some cases, personally by you or the other party.
Going to court can be stressful. See our preparing for Civil Law court pages for guidance.
Outcomes of your hearing
After hearing the evidence, the judge may decide to:
- Grant an order – the applicant is given the order they applied for, with details of its terms and duration.
- Refuse the order – the judge does not grant the order.
- Adjourn the application – the decision is postponed to a later date, usually when more information is needed.
- Strike out the application – the case is dismissed, for example if the applicant or their solicitor does not attend.
3. After the court hearing
If a court order is granted:
- You and the applicant will each receive a copy of the order.
- The court office will send a copy to An Garda Síochána for their records.
It is a criminal offence to breach a civil restraining order. Breaching an order can result in a fine, imprisonment, or both.
You have the right to appeal if you are not satisfied with the decision. Appeals must be filed within fourteen days of the hearing. See our appeals page for more information.
Related content
- I have been served
- Forms – commonly used court forms for civil restraining order cases
- Legal advice and mediation – where to get help and advice
- What to expect in court – guidance on preparing for your hearing
- Appeals – how to challenge a court decision
