Section 5309.20. Cause may be referred to examiner of titles for hearing and report

If, in any land registration case, an answer is filed raising an issue, the cause shall be set down for hearing on the motion of either party. The probate court or the court of common pleas may refer the cause or any part thereof to one of the examiners of titles as master, to hear the parties and their evidence, and make report of such evidence and his findings on it to the court. Such examiner's report shall have the same effect as that of a master appointed by the court in other cases and he shall proceed according to the rules of said court applicable to masters, except as such rules are modified by sections 5309.02 to 5310.21, inclusive, of the Revised Code, or by special or general orders of the court. The court may before decree, require a survey to be made by the county engineer for the purpose of determining boundaries and a more accurate and definite description of the land to be prepared and may order durable monuments to be set by said engineer and referred to in such description.

The expense of the survey and monuments shall be taxed in the costs of the case and may be apportioned among the parties as justice requires. If no persons appear to oppose the application to register, such expense shall be borne by the applicant. If a survey is ordered, the clerk of the probate court or the clerk of the court of common pleas shall, at least five days prior to the time such survey is to be made, mail a notice thereof to each owner and occupant of adjoining lands at the addresses given in the application or any amendments thereof. Said engineer may call witnesses at the time and place of making such survey or at such other time and place as he may appoint, administer oaths, and take and report to the court evidence pertinent to said survey and boundaries, and may adjourn the making of said survey and the taking of said evidence from time to time until such survey is completed. Said engineer's report shall state whether any of the boundary lines are in dispute.

Effective Date: 10-01-1953