When there is a dispute over money (funds) or property, and the money or property is held by a person or entity who is not a party to the dispute—such as an insurance company in possession of insurance proceeds or a payment due a business under a contract in which a former employee or business partner claims an ownership interest—the party holding the disputed funds or property may place it in the registry of the court (by filing an interpleader action) and allowing the court to safeguard the funds or property until it determines the rightful owner.

In Maine, when there is a dispute over funds or property that is held by a third party not involved in the dispute, the third party can use an interpleader action to deposit the disputed assets with the court. This legal process allows the court to hold the funds or property securely while the dispute is resolved. The interpleader action relieves the stakeholder from liability and places the responsibility of determining the rightful owner on the court. Maine's court system provides procedures for such actions, which are typically governed by state statutes and rules of civil procedure. The party initiating the interpleader must file a complaint and serve all claimants, who will then have the opportunity to present their claims to the court. The court will then make a determination based on the evidence presented. This process ensures that the funds or property are distributed fairly and according to the law, without exposing the stakeholder to multiple liabilities.