Customized Sioux Falls Estate Planning Services

Protecting your legacy requires more than a simple document. It requires a strategy that looks toward the future of your family and your business. The peace of mind that comes from knowing your wishes will be honored is invaluable. At Myers Billion, LLP, our estate planning attorneys in Sioux Falls provide the professional guidance you need to manage your assets and provide for your loved ones. We have served the community since 1914. With over 100 years of combined experience, our team has helped families manage some of the biggest and toughest decisions of their lives. We focus on making you feel safe and protected during every step of the legal process.

Call our office at 605-501-5762 or fill out our online form to speak with a team member today.

Customized Wills and Trusts for South Dakota Families

A foundational part of any estate plan involves deciding how your assets should be distributed after you pass away. In South Dakota, a will must meet specific legal requirements to be valid. According to South Dakota Codified Law 29A-2-502, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator, and witnessed by at least two individuals. Our attorneys help you draft documents that clearly state your intentions, ensuring your heirs are cared for according to your exact wishes.

Many clients also choose to establish trusts to provide more control over their wealth. Trusts can offer asset protection and facilitate a smoother transfer of property to beneficiaries. South Dakota is known nationwide for its favorable trust laws. For example, South Dakota Codified Law 43-5-8 does not have a rule against perpetuities for trusts, allowing for the creation of legacy plans that can last for generations. Whether you are setting up charitable trusts or planning for a child with special needs, we provide the legal expertise to help you manage these complex structures.

Business Succession Planning and Asset Protection

If you own a company in the Sioux Falls area, your estate plan must include a strategy for your business. Business succession planning ensures that your life’s work continues even when life-changing events occur. We work with business owners to create a smooth transition of leadership and ownership. This process often involves coordinating with business law principles to protect the company’s value and the interests of your partners or employees.

Asset protection is another critical goal for many individuals. We help you use South Dakota law to shield your hard-earned wealth from potential conflicts. For Eric, a hypothetical business owner in Sioux Falls, a personalized plan might include a mix of trusts and corporate structures to ensure his business survives and his family is provided for. Eric must be confident that his dreams for the future are secure. Our team helps clients like Eric identify potential risks and create plans that mitigate them. We also serve farmers and families with agricultural land; we help them keep the farm in the family for future generations.

Planning for Disability with Durable Powers and Medical Care

Estate planning is not just about what happens after you pass away. It also involves planning for your own care if you become unable to make decisions. Durable powers of attorney allow you to name a person you trust to manage your finances if you are incapacitated. Under South Dakota Codified Law 59-7-2.1, a power of attorney remains effective even if the principal becomes disabled if the document contains the proper language.

You should also consider your future healthcare. A healthcare power of attorney and a living will ensure that your medical wishes are followed. These documents guide your family and doctors regarding the type of treatment you want to receive. Having these plans in place prevents your loved ones from having to make the toughest decisions during a crisis without knowing what you would have wanted. Our attorneys ensure that these documents are legally sound and reflect your personal philosophy on care. Our lawyers maintain professional ties with organizations such as the American Bar Association to stay informed on the latest standards for these vital documents.

The South Dakota Probate and Administration Processes

When a person passes away, their estate may need to go through probate. This is the court-supervised process of identifying assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries. In South Dakota, probate is handled in the circuit court of the county where the deceased person lived. For Sioux Falls residents, that usually means the Minnehaha County Courthouse or Lincoln County Courthouse.

While some people want to avoid probate to save time and money, the process provides a clear way to settle an estate and resolve any disputes among heirs. Under South Dakota Codified Law 29A-3-108, probate proceedings must generally start within three years of death. Our firm assists trustees and personal representatives with trust administration and estate administration to ensure everything is handled correctly. We strive to make these processes as simple as possible for grieving families in South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

Protect Your Legacy with a Professional Estate Planning Attorney

Life is full of uncertainty, but your estate plan does not have to be. Working with a professional estate planning attorney, you can ensure your estate is protected. Take the time to hear your story and understand your goals. Our team provides the reliable communication and expertise you need, whether your focus is on minimizing taxes or ensuring provisions for children with special needs. Our goal is to ensure your assets are distributed exactly as you intended.

South Dakota does not have a state estate or inheritance tax. This makes it an excellent place to build and preserve wealth, according to the South Dakota Department of Revenue. We help you make the most of these laws to protect your beneficiaries. Do not leave your family’s future to chance or a generic form you found online. You deserve a plan that is as unique as your family.

Reach out to us to speak with us about personalized estate planning by calling 605-501-5762 today. We look forward to working together to protect your assets for your loved ones.