Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1130: Neb. Rev. Stat. § 25-1130

When the parties do not consent, the court may, upon application of either, or of its own motion, direct a reference in any equity matter to a referee appointed by the court. The court shall direct a reference to a referee only when caseload and time constraints require such reference, and a referee shall not be appointed to conduct any hearing involving an issue of law and not equity that could result in the exercise of the right to a trial before a jury.