Rule 23.08. Disposition of Residual Funds

Any order entering a judgment or approving a proposed compromise of a class action certified under this rule may provide for the disbursement of residual funds. Residual funds are funds that remain after the payment of all approved. class member claims, expenses, litigation costs, attorneys’ fees, and other court-approved disbursements to implement the relief granted. Nothing in this rule is intended to limit the parties to a class action from suggesting, or the trial court from approving, a settlement or order entering a judgment that does not create residual funds.

It shall be within the discretion of the court to approve the timing and method of distribution of residual funds and to approve the recipient(s) of residual funds. A distribution of residual funds to a program or fund which serves the pro bono legal needs of Tennesseans including, but not limited to, the Tennessee Voluntary Fund for Indigent Civil Representation is permissable (sic) but not required.

Upon motion of any party to a settlement or judgment of a class action certified under this rule or upon the court’s own initiative, orders may be entered after an approved settlement or judgment to address the disposition and disbursement of residual funds in a manner consistent with this rule.