South Dakota: small estate limits
The most an estate can be worth and still skip full probate, how long heirs must wait after the death, and whether real estate qualifies.
Checked on official source| Small estate limit | $100,000 (since July 1, 2022) |
|---|---|
| How it works | Affidavit |
| Waiting period after death | 30 days |
| Covers real estate? | No (separate $50,000 real-estate affidavit) |
| Law | SDCL § 29A-3-1201 |
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply. Confirm with the state agency, the court or a licensed professional in South Dakota.
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How we checked this
Limits come from a 50-state table that cites each statute (rows checked October 7, 2026). Eleven states with recent changes were confirmed on legislature, court or state agency sites; that check corrected Louisiana to $200,000. Last checked: November 12, 2026. Laws change; confirm with the state agency or a licensed professional before acting.
Cross-checked sources agree Checked on official source confirmed on a government, court or legislature site From a statute-cited table one detailed source Under review sources disagree; read the note and the law.