Rule 42. CONSOLIDATION; SEPARATE HEARINGS

(a) Consolidation. When proceedings involving a common question of law or fact are pending before a probate court, the court may order a joint hearing of any or all of the matters in issue in the proceedings, if those proceedings are formal probate or civil or both. The court may order proceedings consolidated if they are all formal probate or all civil. The court may make such orders concerning the procedure therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay. (b) Separate Hearings. Rule 42(b) of the Maine Rules of Civil Procedure governs procedure in all proceedings in the Probate Courts. (c) Convenience and Justice. In making any order under this rule, the court shall give due regard to the convenience of parties and witnesses and the interests of justice.