Interpleader is one means of joining multiple parties to a lawsuit and is provided
for in R. 4:31. Interpleader may occur when the plaintiff possesses a fund to which
several persons claim ownership. The plaintiff, who has no personal interest in the fund,
interpleads the various claimants for an adjudication of the competing claims.
Interpleader is based on the beliefs that adverse claimants should litigate between or
among themselves their conflicting rights or claims and that a plaintiff should be
protected from exposure to double or multiple liability. Another example of a situation in
which an interpleader maybe filed involves a realtor who asks the court to ascertain who
is entitled to a deposit held by the realtor after a buyer and seller of real property have a
dispute and the agreement to sell the real property is not consummated, leaving the
realtor holding a deposit in escrow.
More information can be obtained from “ A PRACTITIONER’S GUIDE TO NEW JERSEY’S CIVIL COURT PROCEDURES”
KENNETH VERCAMMEN & ASSOCIATES, PC
ATTORNEY AT LAW
2053 Woodbridge Ave.
Edison, NJ 08817
(Phone) 732-572-0500
(Fax) 732-572-0030
Personal Injury Dept.: 732-572-0024
website: www.njpersonalinjurylawcenter.com
