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Probate Guides & Estate Settlement Articles

Search probate guides, practical articles, and estate settlement resources.1447 in-depth guides • 105 blog posts

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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.

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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.

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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.

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South Dakota Probate Guide
GuideSouth DakotaPillar Guide20 min read

South Dakota Probate Guide

How South Dakota probate works: the circuit court, the 120-hour wait, the $122 fee, two small-estate affidavits and the 3-year limit.

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South Dakota Probate Timeline
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide20 min read

South Dakota Probate Timeline

South Dakota informal probate usually takes 6 to 12 months, and the closing statement cannot be filed until four months after appointment.

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South Dakota Probate Without a Lawyer
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide21 min read

South Dakota Probate Without a Lawyer

South Dakota lets you settle an estate without a lawyer: two affidavits skip court, and informal probate goes to the Clerk of Courts for $122.

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South Dakota Revocable Living Trust
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide21 min read

South Dakota Revocable Living Trust

A South Dakota trust is irrevocable unless its terms reserve the power to revoke. How to draft, fund and certify a living trust under SDCL Title 55.

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South Dakota Small Estate Affidavit
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide16 min read

South Dakota Small Estate Affidavit

South Dakota has two small estate affidavits: $100,000 for personal property after 30 days and $50,000 for land after 60 days.

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South Dakota Step-Up in Basis
GuideSouth DakotaSupport Guide17 min read

South Dakota Step-Up in Basis

Inherited South Dakota property resets to its date-of-death value under IRC 1014, and South Dakota charges no income tax on a sale.

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South Dakota Surviving Spouse Rights
GuideSouth DakotaPillar Guide22 min read

South Dakota Surviving Spouse Rights

A South Dakota spouse can elect up to 50% of the augmented estate, stay in the homestead, and claim exempt property and a family allowance.

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