In a judicial proceeding, if the court determines that a person cannot be adequately represented by a representative, the court may order that the person be provided notice or may order the appointment of a court representative or a replacement court representative to bind the person. The basis for a finding that representation is inadequate shall be set forth specifically in an order and may include, by way of example, a finding that a representative has a material conflict of interest or acted with hostility to the interest of the person represented.

A trustee, a beneficiary, or, if authorized by the governing instrument, a fiduciary other than a trustee, may petition the court for the appointment of a court representative. A court representative has the authority to act as a representative in any proceeding unless otherwise ordered by the court.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 55-18-19

  • Beneficiary: A person who is entitled to receive the benefits or proceeds of a will, trust, insurance policy, retirement plan, annuity, or other contract. Source: OCC
  • Fiduciary: A trustee, executor, or administrator.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Trustee: A person or institution holding and administering property in trust.

Notwithstanding § 55-18-5, the court may appoint a court representative to bind uninterested beneficiaries, unborn persons, unascertained persons, or the potential appointees or the takers in default of a power of appointment.

Notwithstanding § 55-18-20, the court may appoint a court representative to bind a settlor.

Source: SL 2017, ch 208, § 19; SL 2018, ch 275, § 38.