# S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-3: Investigation and bringing of action by attorney general

> South Dakota · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-3

## Section

- **Citation:** S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-3
- **Heading:** Investigation and bringing of action by attorney general
- **Jurisdiction:** South Dakota
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SD Code / Title 21 / Chapter 36 / Section 21-36-3

## Text

Upon the receipt of a report pursuant to § 21-36-2 , it shall be the duty of the attorney general to conduct an investigation, and if it appears that there is any property of the estate of the decedent that may escheat to the state, and that any persons who may be asserting their claims to such estate as heirs, devisees, legatees, or otherwise are not lawfully entitled thereto, then it shall be his duty to cause an action to be brought in the name of the state for the recovery of such property or its reduction into the possession of the state.

Source: SL 1909, ch 104, § 2; RC 1919, § 3050; SL 1921, ch 228, § 1; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.4202.

## Nearby sections

- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-1 Power of state to maintain actions and proceedings--Prosecution by attorney general or state's attorney](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-1.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-2 Report by state's attorneys and circuit judges of possible escheats](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-2.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-3 Investigation and bringing of action by attorney general](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-3.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-4 Intervention in probate proceedings in lieu of bringing action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-4.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-5 Direction by Governor for institution of proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-5.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-6 State's attorney to assist on request by attorney general](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-6.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-7 Complaint filed to bring action--Parties defendant](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-7.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-8 Allegations required in complaint for escheat](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-8.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-9 Summons filed--Persons to whom directed--Contents](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-9.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-10 Publication of summons and complaint--Personal service--Service by mail](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-10.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-11 Answer to complaint--Reply](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-11.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-12 Receiver appointed on application by state](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-12.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-13 Concurrent remedies by action and participation in probate proceedings](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-13.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 21-36-14 Retention of jurisdiction by circuit court for payment of claims and conservation of estate--Surrender of property to receiver--Stay of proceedings in circuit court](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-14.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T21_C36_S21-36-3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.