Rule 2308.Service of Process on Interpleaded Claimants.

Once the court directs an interpleader, the claimants have to be brought in properly. Within twenty days after the order is entered, each interpleaded claimant must be served, in the same manner as original process, with a copy of the petition, the court’s order and all pleadings filed in the action so far. A copy of the order also goes to the plaintiff or the plaintiff’s attorney.

The deadline can move. On cause shown, the court may extend the time for service on a motion made either before or after the time expires. Subdivision (d) has been rescinded.

Service has consequences. Under Rule 2307(b), the order discharging a defendant that has complied with the payment order covers liability to the plaintiff and to any interpleaded claimant who has been served as these rules require. And under Rules 2316 and 2317, the winning party can collect even though a claimant was not served, but the court may not make that party enter into a recognizance or undertaking, or indemnify the defendant, on account of an unserved claimant.