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 Wyoming, the consolidation of lawsuits is governed by the Wyoming Rules of Civil Procedure, specifically Rule 42(a), which allows for the consolidation of actions involving common questions of law or fact. The court may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions, consolidate the actions, or issue any other orders to avoid unnecessary costs or delay. This is applicable when two or more lawsuits involving the same or similar parties, legal issues, and factual issues are pending in the same court. If the cases are in different courts within the state, a transfer may be necessary before consolidation can occur. The decision to consolidate is at the discretion of the court and is intended to promote efficiency and judicial economy. At the federal level, similar provisions for consolidation are found under Rule 42 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. The specific procedures and requirements for transferring and consolidating cases may vary, and an attorney can provide guidance on the process and likelihood of consolidation in a particular case.