SDCL § 29A-3-103: Necessity of appointment for administration.

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.

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