A Virginia Motion for Leave to File Third Party Complaint is a legal request made by a party involved in a lawsuit to add a third party as a defendant in the case. This motion seeks the court's permission to file a third party complaint against someone who is not originally a party to the lawsuit but may have liability or contribute to the outcome of the case. The purpose of the motion is to expand the scope of the litigation by involving additional parties who may bear some responsibility for the plaintiff's claims or provide indemnification to the original defendant. It allows the original defendant to shift all or part of the liability to the third party, thereby minimizing their own potential liability. In Virginia, there are primarily two types of Motions for Leave to File Third Party Complaint: 1. Contribution Third Party Complaint: This type of motion is filed when the original defendant believes that a third party has contributed to the plaintiff's injuries or damages. The defendant seeks compensation from the third party for any amount the defendant may be held liable for in the lawsuit. By filing this motion, the defendant aims to protect their interests by involving the third party in the litigation and ensuring a fair distribution of liability. 2. Indemnification Third Party Complaint: In this scenario, the original defendant seeks protection from the third party against potential claims or damages. The defendant believes that the third party has a contractual or legal obligation to indemnify them. This motion is typically used when the defendant asserts that any liability should rest solely on the third party, relieving the defendant from any responsibility for the plaintiff's claims. To file a Motion for Leave to File Third Party Complaint in Virginia, the party must draft a formal motion and submit it to the court. The motion should include a detailed explanation of the connection between the original lawsuit, the third party, and the relevance of their involvement. It must also outline the legal grounds supporting the request and the relief sought. When filing this motion, it is essential to comply with the applicable rules and procedures of the Virginia court. The party should adhere to the prescribed timeline and provide sufficient evidence or arguments to persuade the court of the necessity and validity of adding the third party to the lawsuit. In conclusion, a Virginia Motion for Leave to File Third Party Complaint serves as a legal mechanism for defendants to involve third parties in a lawsuit, either for contribution or indemnification. By expanding the scope of the litigation, this motion protects the interests of the defendants and ensures a fair distribution of liability. Understanding the specific types of motions and following the proper filing procedures will increase the chances of success in seeking the court's permission to add a third party to the case.