Pa.R.Civ.P. 1558. — Preliminary Conference. Appointment of Hearing Officer.

(a) The court, after the entry of the order directing partition, shall direct the parties or their attorneys to appear for a preliminary conference to consider

(1) whether the parties can agree upon a plan of partition or sale;

(2) the simplification of the issues;

(3) whether any issues or matters relating to the carrying out of the order of partition shall be referred to a hearing officer; and

(4) such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action.

(b) The court, at any time after the preliminary conference, may appoint a hearing officer to hear the entire matter or to conduct any sale, or to act upon only specified issues or matters relating to the carrying out of the order of partition.

Official Note: adopted April 26, 1955, effective November 1, 1955.