Rule 7B:10 - Third-Party Practice and Consolidation of Actions(a)When Defendant May Bring in Third Party: Whenever a party is served with a warrant, summons, complaint, counterclaim or cross-claim, such party may within 10 days after service or up to the trial date, whichever is sooner, file a third-party civil warrant or complaint on a person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to the party for all or part of the claim being asserted against such party. After such time period, such third-party claim may be asserted only with leave of court. Any party may move to strike the third-party warrant or complaint, or move for its severance for a separate trial. A third-party defendant may proceed under this rule against any person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or part of the claim made in the action against the third-party defendant.
(b)Consolidation of Actions: The Court may, in its discretion, consolidate for trial separate suits which could be treated as counterclaims, cross-claims, and third-party claims. The judge may enter such orders as may be appropriate to effect a prompt and fair disposition of such cases.Amended by order dated February 28, 2006, effective immediately.