South Dakota Guides
South Dakota Power of Attorney Kit
Coming SoonSouth Dakota Basic Estate Planning Kit
Coming SoonSouth Dakota Advance Directive & Living Will Kit
Coming SoonGeneral Resources
These guides work no matter where you live:
Articles for South Dakota
South Dakota Transfer on Death Deed: Avoiding Probate for Real Estate and Vehicles
South Dakota allows transfer on death deeds for real estate and, since July 2025, vehicles too. Here's how they work and how to use them to keep asset…
What to Do When Someone Dies in South Dakota: A Step-by-Step Guide
South Dakota imposes legal deadlines within hours of a death. This guide covers the first 72 hours, the first 30 days, and what comes after in plain l…
South Dakota Probate Court Forms: Where to Find Them and How to File
A practical guide to finding South Dakota probate court forms, using the UJS Guide and File portal, and navigating the circuit court filing process.
Creditor Claims in South Dakota Probate: Deadlines, Notice Requirements, and Priority Rules
How creditor claims work in South Dakota probate — publication requirements, the four-month deadline, direct notice rules, and how insolvent estates a…
How to Settle a Small Estate in South Dakota Without Probate
Step-by-step guide to settling a small estate in South Dakota using the small estate affidavit process. Covers the $100,000 threshold, 30-day waiting …
Contesting a Will in South Dakota: Grounds, Process, and What to Expect
Will contests in South Dakota require formal probate and must be filed before the estate closes. Here are the grounds, the timeline, and why these cas…
Small Estate Affidavit in South Dakota: How to Skip Probate
South Dakota lets heirs claim personal property under $100,000 and real property under $50,000 without probate. Here's exactly how it works — and when…
South Dakota Funeral Law Guide vs. Free Online Resources: Which Do You Actually Need?
Compare a dedicated South Dakota funeral law guide against free government websites and national legal directories. When free is enough and when it's …
How to File Taxes After a Death in South Dakota Without a CPA
Step-by-step guide to filing final tax returns after a death in South Dakota without hiring a CPA. Covers Form 1040, Form 1041, portability, and commo…
How to Handle South Dakota Probate Without a Lawyer
Yes, you can handle South Dakota probate yourself. Here's exactly what to file, when to file it, and the deadlines you cannot miss — with or without a…