21-44-2. Recording death certificate--Prima facie evidence--Affidavit identifying property.
In all cases of joint tenancy in lands or personal property, and in all cases where any estate, title or interest in, or lien upon, lands or personal property has been or may be created, which estate, title, interest, or lien was or is to continue only during the life of any person named or described in the instrument by which such estate, title, interest or lien was created, a copy of the record of the death of any such joint tenant or of the person upon whose life such estate, title, interest, or lien was or is limited, duly certified by any officer who is required by the laws of the state or county in which such record is made, to keep a record of the death of persons occurring within the jurisdiction of such officer, may be recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which such lands are situated or in the proper office for filing as to such personal property. The record of such certified copy is prima facie evidence of the death of such person and the termination of such joint tenancy and of all such estate, title, interest, and lien as was or is limited upon the life of such person. In order to identify the property affected by the death of such person, the person causing the certificate to be recorded shall attach thereon an affidavit setting out the legal descriptions of the property involved.
This section shall not be treated or construed as exclusive of any other remedy authorized by law or rule of court but as cumulative to such other remedy.
Source: SL 1957, ch 198; SDC Supp 1960, §37.1214; SL 2001, ch 109, §1; SL 2021, ch 34, § 3.
Structure South Dakota Codified Laws
Chapter 44 - Termination Of Life Estates
Section 21-44-1 - Definition of terms.
Section 21-44-2 - Recording death certificate--Prima facie evidence--Affidavit identifying property.
Section 21-44-3 - Proceeding for termination of life estate--Contents of verified petition.
Section 21-44-4 - Joinder of proceedings as to two or more life tenants.
Section 21-44-5 - Joinder of proceedings as to all property held by life tenant.
Section 21-44-7 - Lis pendens notice required if property in another county affected.
Section 21-44-8 - Order fixing time and place for hearing on petition--Contents.
Section 21-44-11 - Validation of prior inheritance tax determinations in circuit court.
Section 21-44-12 - Persons permitted to appear at hearing on termination of estate.
Section 21-44-13 - Procedure on contested petitions.
Section 21-44-14 - Inquiry and proof required on uncontested petition.
Section 21-44-16 - Statement or affidavit establishing death of person in military service.
Section 21-44-17 - Presumption of death after seven years' absence.
Section 21-44-18 - Denial of petition if proof insufficient--Order to proceed in quiet title action.
Section 21-44-20 - Validation of prior proceedings as to personal property.
Section 21-44-22 - Validation of prior proceedings where notice or allegations were insufficient.
Section 21-44-23 - Recording of judgment terminating estate--Prima facie evidence.
Section 21-44-25 - Prospective and retrospective application of chapter.