Bifurcation

In order to avoid prejudice or for court convenience, a court may bifurcate a trial.  M. R. Civ. P. 42(b).  "The decision whether to bifurcate claims pursuant to this rule is a matter left to the broad discretion of the district court."  Eklund v. Trost, 2006 MT 333, ¶ 48, 335 Mont. 112, 151 P.3d 870 (citations omitted).  On appeal, we review a decision to bifurcate for abuse of discretion, the test for abuse of discretion.  Eklund, ¶ 48 (citation omitted).