(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 master; 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 master 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.
