Civil Case Parties and Representation

• This rule outlines the requirements for who can be a party in a civil case, how they are represented, and what happens when changes occur during the legal proceedings

Eligible Parties

• Only natural persons, juridical entities, or entities authorized by law can be parties in a civil action
• Plaintiffs and defendants include those involved in counterclaims, cross-claims, and third-party claims

Real Party in Interest

• Only parties directly affected by the court's judgment can prosecute or defend an action, unless an exception is legally authorized

Representatives

• Fiduciaries can represent beneficiaries if the beneficiaries are named in the case title
• Agents can sue or be sued without naming their principals, unless the principal's property is at stake

Spouses

• Spouses typically sue or are sued jointly, unless exceptions such as cases involving personal obligations apply

Minors and Incompetents

• Minors or those deemed legally incompetent must be represented by a parent, guardian, or a court-appointed guardian ad litem

Joinder of Parties

• Permissive joinder allows parties to join a case if their claims arise from the same transaction or series of transactions; courts can prevent this if it causes undue burden
• Compulsory joinder requires indispensable parties to be included in the case, or it risks dismissal
• Necessary parties are those who are not indispensable but whose presence is useful for providing complete relief; the reason for their non-joinder must be stated and the court can order their inclusion

Unwilling Plaintiffs

• Necessary plaintiffs who do not want to participate in the case can be named as defendants

Misjoinder and Non-Joinder

• These are not grounds for dismissal; the court can add or remove parties or separate claims as needed

Class Suits

• Representative lawsuits are allowed for large groups of people who share a common interest; other members of the group may intervene

Alternative Defendants

• Plaintiffs unsure of liability can sue multiple parties alternatively, even if the claims against them are inconsistent

Unknown Defendants

• These can be sued under a generic designation, and the pleadings can be amended once their identity is discovered

Non-Juridical Entities

• Can be sued under their common name; the identities of the members must be disclosed in the answer

Death or Incapacity

• In the event of death, the counsel must inform the court, and the heirs can substitute for the deceased; estates can be pursued post-judgment
• If a public officer dies or leaves office, their successor is substituted if they are continuing the action
• If a party becomes incompetent, the case continues with a guardian ad litem

Transfer of Interest

• The action continues against the original party unless the court orders a substitution

Indigent Parties

• Those who prove they cannot afford legal fees are exempt, but fees become liens on any judgment they receive; fraudulent claims are reversed

Solicitor General

• Must be notified in cases that challenge laws or treaties and may intervene in such cases