In all cases in which any person has been deceased for twelve years or more, a copy of the record of the death of such decedent, duly certified by any officer who is required by the laws of the state or country 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 any real estate affected is situated. The record of such certified copy shall be prima facie evidence of the death of such person; and the date of such death. In order to identify the property affected by the death of such person, the person causing said certificate to be recorded shall attach thereto an affidavit setting out the legal description 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 shall be cumulative to such other remedy.

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Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 43-28-20

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Decedent: A deceased person.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Jurisdiction: (1) The legal authority of a court to hear and decide a case. Concurrent jurisdiction exists when two courts have simultaneous responsibility for the same case. (2) The geographic area over which the court has authority to decide cases.
  • Person: includes natural persons, partnerships, associations, cooperative corporations, limited liability companies, and corporations. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2
  • Property: includes property, real and personal. See South Dakota Codified Laws 2-14-2

Source: SL 1969, ch 277, §§ 1, 2.