Mo. Rev. Stat. § 530.060
Current with changes from the 2023 Legislative Session
The cause shall be heard as soon as practicable after the issues are joined, and shall be triable in the same manner as other civil cases, except that in any of the appellate courts the latter may direct any specific issue or issues of fact to be tried in some circuit court, or before some judge thereof, or before a referee as provided by law, if deemed more convenient to the parties or the court; and in such event, a return of the proceedings of such trial shall be made to the appellate court, in such manner and time as the orders of the latter may require.
§ 530.060, RSMo
RSMo 1939 § 1778