Arizona

Civil Procedure

Civil Procedure

Rule 22 – Interpleader

(a) Grounds

(1)Generally. Interpleader is a procedure where one holding money or property subject to adverse claims may seek to avoid multiple liability by joining in a single action anyone who asserts or may assert claims to the money or property.
(2)By a Plaintiff. A plaintiff may join as a defendant anyone who asserts or may assert a claim to the money or property.
(3)By a Defendant. A defendant may seek interpleader through a crossclaim or counterclaim.
(4)Propriety of Interpleader. Interpleader is proper even though:

(A) the claims, or the titles on which the claims depend, do not have a common origin or are adverse and independent rather than identical; or
(B) the party requesting interpleader denies liability in whole or in part to any or all of the claimants.
(b) Release from Liability upon Deposit or Delivery. A party requesting interpleader under Rule 22(a) may move the court for an order discharging that party from liability to the claimants. The court may discharge the party upon:

(1) the party’s deposit in court of the money claimed; or
(2) the party’s delivery of the property as the court directs.
(c) Relation to Other Rules. This rule supplements-and does not limit-the joinder of parties allowed by Rule 20.

Ariz. R. Civ. P. 22

Amended effective January 1, 2017.