Lets a nonparty ask to join a lawsuit because the result may affect its interests.
A request by a nonparty to join an existing lawsuit because the case may affect its legal interests. Intervention can be intervention as of right or permissive intervention, depending on the strength of the interest and how the existing parties represent it.
Filed when an outsider believes the judgment, settlement, injunction, or legal ruling could impair its rights. Insurers, regulators, advocacy groups, property owners, competitors, and government bodies commonly seek intervention.
Existing parties may argue the motion is late, the applicant lacks a protectable interest, the interest is already represented, or intervention would delay or complicate the case.
The court may allow full party status, permit narrower participation, deny intervention, or allow amicus-style input instead. Timing and prejudice often decide close calls.