SDCL § 15-13-1: Purposes for which reference made on agreement of parties.

A reference may be ordered upon the agreement of the parties filed with the clerk or entered in the minutes:

(1) To try any or all the issues in an action or proceeding, whether of fact or law and to report a finding and conclusion thereon;

(2) To ascertain a fact necessary to enable the court to determine an action or proceeding;

(3) In all other cases provided for reference by law.