impleader

law

Also known as: interpleader

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

In law, impleader is a process that allows a defendant to bring a third party into an existing lawsuit. This is done when the defendant believes that this third party is, or may be, liable for all or part of the plaintiff's claim against them. Impleader serves to promote efficiency by resolving related claims within a single legal proceeding, saving time and costs.1

This process is also available to a plaintiff if a defendant files a counterclaim, allowing the plaintiff to bring in a third party who may be liable for that counterclaim. Courts generally favor impleader to streamline litigation and avoid multiple lawsuits.1

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joinder and impleader
impleader, in law, processes whereby additional parties or additional claims are brought into suits because addressing them is necessary or desirable for the successful adjudication of the issues.
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impleader, in law, processes whereby additional parties or additional claims are brought into suits because addressing them is necessary or desirable for the successful adjudication of the issues.
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procedural law
Parties
…action, through a device called impleader, when, for example, these parties are or may be liable to the defendant on account of the claim asserted against him.
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…action, through a device called impleader, when, for example, these parties are or may be liable to the defendant on account of the claim asserted against him.
Read More