Yes. In South Dakota, a will always needs to be in writing. A will written in your own handwriting is called a holographic will. South Dakota will recognize this type of will under certain circumstances. However, our law firm does not recommend that you write your own will. These wills are frequently unclear, incomplete, and poorly written. A better option is a will that is properly witnessed, known as an attested will. An attested will, with a special notarized affidavit, is a self-proving will. Our law firm recommends that you have a properly written, attested, and self-proving will.
In South Dakota, does my will have to be in writing?
About Swier Law Firm's Estate Planning & Probate Practice Group
Swier Law Firm has a nationally recognized practice in estate planning and probate law and handles the following types of cases:
- Estate Planning: Wills & Living Trusts
- Legacy Planning
- Family-Owned Businesses & Farms
- Powers of Attorney & Living Wills
- IRA & Retirement Planning
- Asset Protection & Business Planning
- Special Needs Planning
- Trust Administration & Probate
Take a look at our valuable estate planning books and articles. Our materials are full of tips and advice. All materials are written by the law firm's nationally recognized estate planning attorneys and provide detailed South Dakota-specific information designed to help anyone with estate planning issues. You can request your free copy by clicking on the book cover below.
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