Skip to main content

Probate Guides & Estate Settlement Articles

Search probate guides, practical articles, and estate settlement resources.1534 in-depth guides • 105 blog posts

Showing 131-140 of 1752 articlesSearch & Filter
South Dakota Executor Duties
GuideSouth DakotaPillar Guide29 min read

South Dakota Executor Duties

South Dakota executor duties in statute order: notify heirs and DSS within 14 days, inventory, write to known creditors, and close after four months.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Family Allowance
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide12 min read

South Dakota Family Allowance

South Dakota gives a spouse and supported children a family allowance. The $18,000 in SDCL 29A-2-403 limits the executor, not the court.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Federal Estate Tax
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide18 min read

South Dakota Federal Estate Tax

South Dakota has no estate, inheritance or income tax. Only the federal estate tax can reach an estate, above $15 million in 2026.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Guardianship Planning
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide27 min read

South Dakota Guardianship Planning

South Dakota guardianship needs clear and convincing proof, the person may demand a jury, and the $72 filing fee covers the whole case.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Intestate Succession
GuideSouth DakotaPillar Guide16 min read

South Dakota Intestate Succession

Who inherits in South Dakota without a will: the spouse takes all, or the first $100,000 plus half. Then children, parents, siblings and grandparents.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Pet Trust
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide16 min read

South Dakota Pet Trust

South Dakota law makes a trust for the care of a named animal valid under SDCL 55-1-21, enforced by a person you name. Here is how it works.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Power of Attorney
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide25 min read

South Dakota Power of Attorney

A South Dakota power of attorney must be notarized and must say it survives incapacity. A conservator's appointment can end it.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Probate Accounting
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide21 min read

South Dakota Probate Accounting

South Dakota probate accounting: the inventory is due six months after appointment or nine after death, whichever is later.

Settled EditorialRead more
South Dakota Probate Bond
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide15 min read

South Dakota Probate Bond

Since July 1, 2025, South Dakota requires no probate bond unless the court finds one serves the estate. How the amount and sureties work.

Settled EditorialRead more

Need Help With Probate?

Take our free assessment to understand your probate options and get personalized guidance.