Rule 2303.Allegations Required in Petition. Stay of Proceedings.
Adopted July 10, 1939 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2303 sets what an interpleader petition must allege — including a competing claim by a non-party — and provides for staying the action pending the interpleader.
(1)that a claimant not a party of record has made or is expected to make a demand upon the defendant as a result of which the defendant is or may be exposed to double or multiple liability to the plaintiff and to such claimant as to all or any part of the claim asserted by the plaintiff.
(2)that the petition is filed in good faith and not in collusion with the plaintiff or any claimant.
(3)the interest, if any, which the defendant claims in the money or prop- erty in controversy and whether the defendant is able (or if not, the reasons therefor) to pay or deliver that part of the money or property as to which he or she claims no interest into court or to such person as the court may direct.
(4)whether the defendant has admitted the claim of, or subjected himself or herself to independent liability to, the plaintiff or any claimant in respect to the subject matter of the action.
(c)The filing of the petition shall stay all proceedings in the action until the court has disposed of the petition.
Plain-English Summary
An interpleader petition must show the defendant truly faces double exposure. This rule requires the petition to allege that a claimant not a party of record has made or is expected to make a demand on the defendant for the same money or property, and provides for staying the underlying action while the interpleader is decided — protecting the defendant from inconsistent demands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must an interpleader petition allege?
That a non-party claimant has made or is expected to make a competing demand on the defendant for the same money or property.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2303 adopted July 10, 1939, effective January 22, 1940; amended April 18, 1975, effective immediately, 5 Pa.B. 1820; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2274. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (190606).
Source & verification. Rule text, the Official Note, and the amendment
history are reproduced verbatim from the Pennsylvania Code, Title 231, the official compilation
of rules adopted by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. Last verified June 30, 2026. ·
Official text
Also known as:interpleader petition allegationsstay of proceedings interpleadercompeting claim interpleader