Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in South Dakota

Public Record?

Are wills public record? If so, how can I get a copy? How do I find out if a will is in probate? What is the maximum length of time after a person has deceased is a will read?


Asked on 5/21/02, 3:08 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Charles Aspinwall Charles S. Aspinwall, J.D., LLC

Re: Public Record?

Wills are not of public record until they are filed with the probate court for administration.

One finds out about a probate by checking the records of the local probate court under the name of the deceased.

It is not legally required that a will be "read," but each state has different laws concerning the time within which a will should be offered for probate after the death of the maker of the will.

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Answered on 5/21/02, 5:22 am


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