In South Dakota, the 14 main duties of a Personal Representative are:
(1) determine if there are any probate assets;
(2) find, gather, and inventory the deceased's assets;
(3) collect monies owed (including income, unpaid salary, and vacation pay);
(4) establish an estate checking account;
(5) determine who is going to receive what and how much under the Will;
(6) place a value on the estate's assets;
(7) publish legal notice to the estate's potential creditors;
(8) review the validity of all claims against the estate;
(9) pay funeral bills, debts, and valid claims;
(10) pay the estate's administrative expenses;
(11) complete paperwork, such as canceling utilities and charge cards;
(12) file and pay income and estate taxes;
(13) distribute the remaining property according to the instructions provided in the deceased's Will; and
(14) complete the probate.