What happens when there are two pending / overlapping court cases where the decision in one case effects the outcome of the other case. Would the court allow the second case to be heard/filed before a decision is made on the first case?
For example, assume Party A files a complaint against Party B to compel arbitration regarding a certain matter. Party B then files a suit against Party A in Special Civil court regarding that matter. Party A's case was originally scheduled after Party B's case or the case initiated by Party A was dismissed but Party A has filed an appeal for the case that was not yet heard.
Do the courts wait/delay hearing of case scheduled by Party B until the court reaches a final decision regarding Party A's case? Does the court merge the two cases?