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 New Jersey, 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 on the court to determine the rightful owner or beneficiary of the assets in question. The New Jersey court rules provide the framework for such actions, and an attorney can assist in filing the appropriate pleadings to initiate the process. Once the funds or property are deposited with the court, the disputing parties will present their claims, and the court will make a determination based on the evidence and legal arguments presented.