When a person summoned as trustee in Superior Court appears and files a disclosure denying his or her liability, or submits such question to the court upon a statement of facts, the court in its discretion may, or upon application of the plaintiff, trustee, or claimant shall, appoint one or more commissioners, who shall hear the testimony adduced by the parties as to the trustee's liability or the right of the claimant, determine questions with reference thereto, and report to the court the facts with their decision thereon. (Amended 1973, No. 193 (Adj. Sess.), § 3, eff. April 9, 1974.)