Rule 3-402 - Notice of trial; joint or separate trialsA.Notice of trial. After the answer has been filed, the judge shall set a date for trial of the action. The judge or the clerk shall issue a written notice of trial announcing the time, day and place thereof, file the original and send copies to all parties not in default.B.Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the judge, he may make such orders providing for joint trials as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.C.Separate trials. The judge in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice may order a separate trial of any claim or issue.N.M. R. Civ. P. Metro. Ct. 3-402