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Our Practice Areas
Types of Guardianship
South Dakota's Specific
Trust Laws
South Dakota, situated in the heart of the United States, has emerged as a leading jurisdiction for trusts due to its progressive and advantageous trust laws. These laws have been crafted not only to preserve wealth across generations but also to offer flexibility, privacy, and strong asset protection.
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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT

South Dakota's Types of Guardianships

South Dakota has gained prominence as a trust-friendly jurisdiction due to its progressive trust laws and provisions. The state's legislature has enacted various measures to attract trust business and promote estate planning. Some of the key features that make South Dakota an attractive jurisdiction for establishing trusts include:

Perpetual Duration: South Dakota allows for trusts to have perpetual duration, meaning that trusts can continue to exist for an indefinite period. This is in contrast to some other jurisdictions where trusts may have limitations on their duration.

Dynasty Trusts : South Dakota permits the creation of dynasty trusts, which are designed to provide ongoing financial support to multiple generations while minimizing estate taxes. These trusts can continue for several generations, with the state's favorable tax laws being a significant incentive for families looking to preserve wealth over the long term.

Directed Trusts: South Dakota has specific laws that allow for the establishment of directed trusts. Directed trusts involve separating the roles of the trustee and the investment advisor or distribution advisor. This arrangement can provide more flexibility and control over investment decisions and distributions.

Privacy and Confidentiality: The state has enacted laws that prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of trust matters. This can be particularly appealing to individuals who value discretion in their financial affairs.

No State Income Tax: South Dakota does not levy a state income tax. This can have significant benefits for trusts, as they may not be subject to state-level income taxation on trust income.

Asset Protection Trusts: South Dakota allows for the creation of self-settled asset protection trusts. These trusts can shield assets from creditors while still allowing the grantor to be a discretionary beneficiary.

Community Property Trusts: South Dakota permits the establishment of community property trusts, which can be useful for couples looking to manage their property and assets in accordance with community property principles.

Decanting: The state has provisions that allow for the modification of irrevocable trusts through a process called "decanting." This can be particularly valuable if the original trust terms no longer meet the grantor's or beneficiaries' needs.
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Types of South
Dakota Special Laws

It's important to note that while South Dakota offers these favorable trust laws, individuals considering setting up trusts in the state should work with legal and financial professionals who are experienced in trust law. The laws and regulations surrounding trustscan be complex, and tailored advice is crucial to ensuring that a trust structure aligns with the grantor's intentions and goals.

Trust Protector and Advisor Roles

In the context of trusts, the roles of Trust Protector and Trust Advisor play significant roles in shaping the administration and management of a trust, often providing additional layers of control and oversight. Here's a brief description of each role:

Trust Protector : A Trust Protector is an individual or entity appointed by the grantor or included in the trust document to oversee and ensure that the trust is administered in accordance with the grantor's intentions. The Trust Protector's responsibilities can vary widely based on the terms specified in the trust instrument. They may have the authority to modify the trust in response to changing circumstances, replace trustees, approve or veto certain distributions, and make decisions in cases where there are conflicts among beneficiaries or trustees.

Trust Advisor: A Trust Advisor, also known as an Investment Advisor or Distribution Advisor, is an individual or entity appointed to provide expertise and guidance in specific areas of trust management. Depending on the nature of the trust and the advisor's designated role, they may be responsible for managing the trust's investment portfolio, making informed decisions about investment strategies, and ensuring that the trust's assets are aligned with the grantor's objectives

Dynasty Trusts and Perpetuity Rules


Dynasty Trusts : A Dynasty Trust is a specialized type of irrevocable trust designed to preserve and manage wealth for multiple generations. One of the main features of a Dynasty Trust is its ability to exist for an extended period, often for several generations or even indefinitely, depending on the jurisdiction's laws. This longevity allows assets placed within the trust to grow and provide ongoing financial support for descendants while potentially minimizing estate taxes and other transfer taxes.

Perpetuity Rules Perpetuity rules, also known as rule against perpetuities, refer to legal restrictions on the duration of trusts or other property interests. These rules prevent property from being tied up in trusts for an excessive length of time, ensuring that property rights are not indefinitely controlled by past generations. The purpose of perpetuity rules is to strike a balance between allowing for the continuity of trusts and preventing the creation of trusts that hinder the efficient transfer of property and the potential for economic growth.

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs)

Domestic Asset Protection Trusts (DAPTs) ): A Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT) is a type of irrevocable trust established within the boundaries of the grantor's home country or jurisdiction. The primary purpose of a DAPT is to provide asset protection by shielding the assets placed within the trust from creditors' claims and legal liabilities. DAPTs are designed to allow the grantor to retain some beneficial interest in the trust assets while still protecting those assets from potential creditors.
The key distinction of a DAPT lies in its ability to offer asset protection benefits while being established domestically, as opposed to offshore trusts. Historically, individuals seeking strong asset protection turned to offshore jurisdictions with favorable trust laws. However, DAPTs emerged as a legal framework within certain U.S. states to provide similar protection without the need to establish trusts in foreign jurisdictions.

Privacy and Confidentiality


Privacy and Confidentiality in Trusts : Privacy and confidentiality are crucial elements in trust planning that relate to the protection of sensitive financial and personal information. Trusts, as legal arrangements, often involve the transfer and management of assets, as well as the distribution of wealth to beneficiaries. Many individuals value the ability to maintain a level of privacy and confidentiality surrounding these matters. Privacy and confidentiality can serve various purposes, including:
• Asset Protection
• Estate Planning
• Avoiding Public Scrutiny
• Minimizing Risk

Denevan Falon Joyce is a seasoned trust and estate litigation expert in South Dakota, offering extensive knowledge and experience to navigate complex legal matters. With a track record of successful resolutions, our attorneys ensures your rights are protected, your assets are managed accurately, and all disputes are resolved in your best interest. Trust in Denevan Falon Joyce to bring clarity, dedication, and excellence to your case.
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK

How Denevan Falon Joyce
Can Help You With Your Trust & Estate Litigation Case

Case Evaluation: We thoroughly assess the facts and circumstances of each case to determine its strengths, weaknesses, and potential legal claims.

Legal Strategy Development: Based on the case evaluation, we develop a tailored legal strategy aligned with our clients' objectives. We work closely with our clients to understand their goals and priorities, and then outline the most effective course of action.

Documentation Preparation: Trust & estate litigation is document intensive. We work with our clients to prepare the necessary legal documents, such as complaints, petitions, answers, objections, motions, and discovery requests to properly prosecute or defend a case.
Discovery Process Management: We guide our clients through the discovery process, which involves exchanging information and evidence with the opposing party through written interrogatories, request for production of documents, depositions and subpoenas to third parties. We ensure that all evidence obtained in discovery is organized and maintained throughout the proceedings. We reassess the case with our clients as discovery progresses and additional facts come to light.

Settlement Negotiations: At all stages of the legal proceeding, we encourage our clients to consider and engage in settlement negotiations to explore potential resolutions outside of court.

Motion Practice and Trial We diligently prepare for each time that we appear in Court on behalf of a clients. We conduct thorough research, assemble evidence, and craft persuasive legal arguments that advance our client's interests.
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