Except as otherwise provided in chapter 29A-4, to acquire the powers and undertake the duties and liabilities of a personal representative of a decedent, a person must be appointed by order of the court or clerk, qualify and be issued letters. Administration of an estate is commenced by the issuance of letters.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 29A-3-103

  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Liabilities: The aggregate of all debts and other legal obligations of a particular person or legal entity.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

Source: SL 1994, ch 232, § 3-103; SL 1995, ch 167, § 99.