Asks the court to add a person or entity needed for fair and complete resolution of the case.
A request to add a person or entity to the lawsuit because the court cannot fairly resolve the dispute without them or because related claims should proceed together. Joinder motions focus on efficiency, fairness, jurisdiction, and whether the absent party is required.
Filed when a party believes another person has a stake in the dispute, may be liable, may need to provide relief, or may be prejudiced by a judgment entered without them.
The opposing side may argue the proposed party is unnecessary, joinder would destroy jurisdiction, the claims are unrelated, or the request is too late and prejudicial.
The court may order joinder, deny joinder, allow amendment to add a party, or in rare cases dismiss the action if a required party cannot be joined.