Consolidation of lawsuits may be ordered by a court when two or more lawsuits involving the same or similar parties (plaintiff and defendant), legal issues, and factual issues are pending in the same court or in different courts in the same jurisdiction (state court system or federal court system). If the lawsuits are pending in different courts one case may be transferred to the other court, and the cases consolidated there.

Laws and rules regarding the consolidation—or transfer and consolidation—of lawsuits vary from state to state and in the federal court system.

In Louisiana, consolidation of lawsuits is governed by the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure. According to Article 1561, a court may order consolidation when two or more actions are pending in the same court if they involve a common question of law or fact to avoid unnecessary costs or delay. The decision to consolidate is at the discretion of the court and is typically considered when the actions to be consolidated are of such a nature that the rights of the parties may be affected by such consolidation. This is to ensure that the handling of the cases is efficient and that the outcomes are consistent. Additionally, if the cases are in different courts but within the same jurisdiction, a transfer may be ordered to consolidate the cases in one court. The federal court system has a similar provision under Rule 42(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, which allows for consolidation when actions involve common questions of law or fact. It's important to note that the specific procedures and considerations for consolidation may vary, and an attorney can provide guidance on the likelihood and process of consolidation in a particular case.