Rule 2319.Trial Without Jury.

When an interpleader is tried by a judge sitting without a jury, the trial follows Rule 1038. Under that rule the trial is conducted as nearly as may be like a jury trial, and the parties have like rights and privileges, including the right to move for nonsuit.

The judge’s decision may consist only of general findings as to all parties, but it must dispose of all claims for relief, and it may include specific findings of fact and conclusions of law. It may be given orally at the end of trial and transcribed, or in writing afterward, and the prothonotary notifies the parties of the filing date. Rule 1038(c) calls for a decision within seven days after trial, except in protracted cases or cases of extraordinary complexity, and its Note points to Rule 227.1 for post-trial relief.

In an interpleader, where several claimants dispute one fund, a decision that disposes of all claims answers each claimant before the court disposes of the money or property under Rule 2315.