A Proceedings Search identifies whether High Court proceedings have been issued involving an individual or legal entity in Ireland. This search is primarily used by solicitors and conveyancers during title investigations to uncover legal actions that may affect property ownership, boundaries, rights, or a party’s authority to transact.
Ellis & Ellis conducts Proceedings Searches in the High Court Central Office against both plaintiffs and defendants as standard, helping ensure that property transactions proceed with full awareness of any relevant litigation.
Ellis & Ellis Proceedings Searches are conducted against High Court records and include:
High Court proceedings can have serious implications for property transactions and title investigations.
Certain proceedings may:
Under section 121 of the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Act 2009, proceedings involving claims to land or interests in land may be registered as a Lis Pendens, even before summons are served. Once registered, any subsequent purchaser is effectively bound by the outcome of those proceedings.
For these reasons, Proceedings Searches are a critical part of conveyancing due diligence.
Learn more about Proceedings Searches with our expert explainer.
Use this search if your client is:
Request a Proceedings Search through the Ellis & Ellis client portal, or contact our team for guidance on scope, names to be searched, or follow-on documentation.
What is a Proceedings Search?
A search of High Court records to identify whether legal proceedings have been issued involving a named individual or entity.
Which court is searched?
Proceedings Searches are conducted in the High Court Central Office.
From what date are records available?
The High Court proceedings database covers cases issued since August 1993.
Are searches conducted against plaintiffs and defendants?
Yes. Ellis & Ellis searches both plaintiff and defendant names as standard.
Why is this search important for conveyancing?
Proceedings may affect title, ownership rights, or result in a Lis Pendens being registered against a property.
Can proceedings prevent a property sale?
Yes. Some proceedings may restrict a seller’s authority or require court or liquidator supervision.
Do results include case details?
Yes. Results include record numbers and party details, with filings, orders, and listings available on request.
What if no proceedings are found?
The certified result will clearly confirm that no matching High Court proceedings were identified.
Why use Ellis & Ellis?
Over 130 years of legal search expertise, certified results, manual verification, and Professional Indemnity Cover of €10 million.