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Defended Hearings

In the District Court, if the defendant lodges a Notice of Intention to Defend, the case will be set down for hearing. Normally this is the hearing date on the Civil Summons.

In the Circuit Court if the Defendant enters an Appearance this is an indication that he is going to defend the action. Failing the filing of a full defence within twenty-one days after receipt of the appearance, we are entitled to apply for Summary Judgement. If a Defence is filed the case must be set down for hearing. This can take a matter of weeks or it may take several months depending on the court area.

In the High Court, when an Appearance is lodged a Motion must be brought before the Master of the High Court for liberty to enter final judgement. This procedure can take a number of months.