South Dakota adopted the Uniform Probate Code (UPC) to make settling estates faster and cheaper. While it still uses a statutory fee schedule for executors, the court process is remarkably streamlined.
SD Statutory Executor Fees (SDCL 30-25-7)
| Estate Value Tier | Statutory Fee % |
|---|---|
| First $1,000 | 5% |
| Next $4,000 | 4% |
| Above $5,000 | 2.5% |
Informal vs. Formal Probate
In South Dakota, most estates use "Informal Probate," which requires very few court hearings and allows the executor to act independently after being appointed by the clerk.
South Dakota Fee Estimate
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SD Probate CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
How much are executor fees in South Dakota?
South Dakota sets statutory fees under SDCL 30-25-7: 5% on the first $1,000, 4% on the next $4,000, and 2.5% on everything over $5,000.
How long does probate take in South Dakota?
Thanks to the Uniform Probate Code, most informal probates in South Dakota are completed within 6-12 months.
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