# S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-20: Limitations on representation of settlor--Limitations on settlor's authority to bind beneficiary

> South Dakota · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-20

## Section

- **Citation:** S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-20
- **Heading:** Limitations on representation of settlor--Limitations on settlor's authority to bind beneficiary
- **Jurisdiction:** South Dakota
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** SD Code / Title 55 / Chapter 18 / Section 55-18-20

## Text

A settlor may be represented by a representative in amending, terminating, or revoking an inter vivos revocable trust only when the representative is:

(1) An agent under a written power of attorney when the settlor is incapacitated or not reasonably available and to the extent expressly authorized by the power of attorney with specific reference to the trust and expressly authorized by the terms of the governing instrument; or

(2) A conservator only to the extent authorized or approved by order of the court pursuant to § 29A-5-420 or equivalent provisions of another jurisdiction's laws.

In other respects, a settlor may be represented by a representative only pursuant to subdivisions 55-18-9(5), (11), (16), and (17) and pursuant to subdivision 55-18-9(1) to the extent authorized or approved by the court.

A settlor may not bind a beneficiary with respect to a trust termination pursuant to § 55-3-24 or 55-3-30 or a trust modification pursuant to § 55-3-24 or 55-3-30 where the ability to bind the beneficiary to the proposed trust modification would constitute a retained interest pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 2036, as of January 1, 2017, or a revocable transfer pursuant to 26 U.S.C. § 2038 as of January 1, 2017.

Source: SL 2017, ch 208, § 20; SL 2018, ch 275, § 39.

## Nearby sections

- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-1 Definitions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-1.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-2 Application of chapter to proceedings involving persons interested in trust](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-2.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-3 Effect of provisions of chapter](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-3.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-4 Conditions under which representative may not bind person represented](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-4.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-5 Notice, service of process, and consent not required of certain persons](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-5.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-6 Notice or consent respecting co-representatives](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-6.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-7 Demand for notice](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-7.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-8 Notice to Department of Social Services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-8.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-9 Persons who may bind others](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-9.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-10 Disclosure of information regarding representatives](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-10.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-11 Refusal to act as representative](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-11.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-12 Petition for advance approval of action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-12.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-13 Representative with conflict of interest](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-13.md)
- [S.D. Codified Laws § 55-18-14 Disclosure of conflict of interest by representative](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-14.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_SD_T55_C18_S55-18-20. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.