Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 22

As amended through October 11, 2024

Rule 22 - Interpleader

(a) GROUNDS.

(1)By a Plaintiff. Persons with claims that may expose a plaintiff to double or multiple liability may be joined as defendants and required to interplead. Service of process within this rule must be accomplished in the manner and within the time limits provided by Rule 4. Joinder for interpleader is proper even though:

(A) the claims of the several claimants, or the titles on which their claims depend, lack a common origin or are adverse and independent rather than identical; or

(B) the plaintiff denies liability in whole or in part to any or all of the claimants.

(2)By a Defendant. A defendant exposed to similar liability may seek interpleader through a crossclaim or counterclaim.

(b) RELATION TO OTHER RULES AND STATUTES. This rule supplements-and does not limit-the joinder of parties allowed by Rule 20.

Sup. Ct. R. D.C. 22

COMMENT TO 2017 AMENDMENTS

This rule is substantially similar to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 22, as amended in 2007, but maintains the following local distinctions: 1) the addition of a provision specifying that service of process must be accomplished in accordance with Rule 4; 2) the deletion of language addressing interpleader actions in federal district courts.

COMMENT

Identical to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 22 except for deletion of section (2) thereof which deals with sections of Title 28, United States Code relating only to interpleader actions in federal district courts and for the addition of the provision that service of process under the Rule must be accomplished in accordance with Rule 4, including the time limit imposed by Rule 4(j).