Rule 2310.Answers by Defendant, Plaintiff and other Claimants.
Adopted July 10, 1939 · Last amended April 12, 1999 · Last verified June 30, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2310 lets a defendant who has not disclaimed answer a claimant's statement of claim within twenty days of service, and requires the plaintiff and other interpleaded parties to answer any Additional Matter that involves their claims within the same period.
(a)A defendant, who has not disclaimed all interest in the action, may within twenty days after service of a claimant’s statement, file an answer thereto, except to any ‘‘Additional Matter’’ thereof.
(b)If a claimant has included ‘‘Additional Matter’’ in his statement, the plaintiff or any other interpleaded party shall within twenty days after service of the claimant’s statement, file an answer to such ‘‘Additional Matter,’’ insofar as such ‘‘Additional Matter’’ involves his claim in the action.
(c)The form and verification of such answers shall be the same as in a civil action.
End
Plain-English Summary
Each claim can be contested by the others. This rule lets a defendant who has not disclaimed all interest file an answer to a claimant's statement within twenty days after service (except to its Additional Matter), and requires the plaintiff and any other interpleaded party to answer Additional Matter that involves their claims within twenty days, so every competing position is tested before the court allocates the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a claimant's claim be contested in an interpleader?
Yes. A defendant who has not disclaimed all interest may answer within twenty days, though not the Additional Matter; the plaintiff and any other interpleaded party must answer Additional Matter that bears on their claim within twenty days.
Amendment History
The provisions of this Rule 2310 adopted July 10, 1939, effective January 22, 1940; amended December 16, 1983, effective July 1, 1984, 13 Pa.B. 3999; amended April 12, 1999, effective July 1, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 2274. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (190610).
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:answer claimant interpleadercontest claim interpleaderinterpleader answers