West Virginia § 56-10-1 - 56-10-1. Interpleader.

§ 56-10-1. 56-10-1. Interpleader.

A defendant in an action brought against him for the recovery of money which he does not wish to defend, but which money is claimed by some third person, or for the recovery of the possession of personal property to which he makes no claim, but which is claimed by a third person, may file his affidavit stating the facts in relation thereto, and that he does not collude with such third person but is ready to pay the money claimed, or deliver the property, to the owner thereof, as the court may direct, and the court may thereupon make an order requiring such third person to appear and state the nature of his claim, and maintain or relinquish the same, and may in the meantime stay the proceedings in such action. If such third person, on being served with a copy of such order, shall not appear, the court may, on proof of the plaintiff's right, render judgment for him and declare such third person to be forever barred of any claim in respect of the subject matter, either against the plaintiff or the original defendant, or his personal representative. If such third person, on being so served, shall appear, the court shall allow him to make himself defendant in the action and, either in such action or otherwise, cause such issue or issues to be tried as it may prescribe, and may direct which party shall be considered the plaintiff in the issues; and shall give judgment upon the verdict rendered or, if a jury be waived by the parties interested, shall determine their claims in a summary way. The court may also make such order for the disposition of the money or property which is the subject matter of the action, pending the same, as to it may seem proper, and may enter judgment as to costs as may be just and proper.