—Procedure in Interpleader

No trial on the merits of an interpleader action shall be had until (1) an interlocutory judgment of interpleader shall have been entered; and (2) all defendants shall have filed statements of claim, been defaulted or filed waivers. Issues shall be closed on the claims as in other cases. (P.B. 1978-1997, Sec. 539.) (Amended June 25, 2001, to take effect Jan. 1, 2002.)