In Dispute (DIS): Cannot be determined which disputing party has better right to mail

In Dispute (DIS)

The USPS defines this as "Conflicting Orders by Two or More Parties for Delivery of Same Mail", which has processes defined for delivery resolution as:

  1. 616.1 Delivery to Receiver - Where persons make conflicting orders for delivery of the same mail, and they are unable to agree among themselves which party should receive the
    mail, the mail may be delivered to a named receiver or third party
    unanimously agreed to by the disputing parties.
  2. 616.2 Receiver in Dispute
    1. 616.21 Steps for Resolution - The following Postal Service authorities have responsibilities in attempting to resolve disputes:
      1. a. Postmaster. If the disputing parties are unable to select a receiver, they
        must furnish the postmaster all evidence on which they rely to exercise
        control over the disputed mail.
      2. b. Chief Field Counsel. If after 5 workdays from receipt of such evidence
        the postmaster is still in doubt about who should receive the mail, the
        postmaster must submit the case to the chief field counsel for informal
        resolution.
      3. c. Judicial Officer Department. If after 5 workdays from receipt of the
        case, or such additional time as may be agreed to by all parties, no
        informal resolution is achieved and no order is made by the chief field
        counsel to return the mail to the sender, the chief field counsel must
        forward the case file to the Judicial Officer Department for decision
        under the rules of procedure of that department.
    2. 616.22 Holding of Disputed Mail - If a dispute is referred to the Judicial Officer Department, the postmaster must hold the disputed mail as follows:
      1. a. Ordinary Mail. Hold the mail until such time as notice of final disposition
        is received from the judicial officer.
      2. b. Accountable Mail. Hold Registered Mail, Certified Mail, Insured Mail,
        COD, and Return Receipt for Merchandise Mail for the amount of time
        permitted by DMM F030, or until resolution of the dispute, whichever
        comes first.
      3. c. Express Mail. Hold Express Mail as specified by DMM F030, or until
        resolution of the dispute, whichever comes first.
    3. 616.23 Returned Mail - Endorse returned items “In Dispute.”
  3. 616.3 Delivery of Mail According to Court Order - When the same mail is claimed by different persons, and a court decides to
    whom delivery should be made, the mail is delivered according to the court
    order.