South Dakota's Trusted Estate Planning Attorneys

Protect Your Family's Legacy in Just 2 Weeks

Without the confusion, overwhelming legal jargon, or endless back-and-forth. Comprehensive estate planning designed for South Dakota families.

Estate Planning Consultation
Watch: How We Protect South Dakota Families
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30+ Years Experience
AV Distinguished Rating
Rapid City, SD
The Challenge

Most South Dakota families delay estate planning until it's too late

Without proper planning, your family could face months of probate, thousands in court fees, and difficult decisions during already emotional times.

Probate Court Delays

Without a trust, your estate goes through South Dakota probate, which can take 6-18 months and cost your family 3-7% of your estate value in fees.

Confusing Legal Process

Most estate planning feels overwhelming, filled with legal jargon and complex documents that leave you unsure if your family is actually protected.

Family Disputes

Without clear documentation, family disagreements about asset distribution, guardianship, and healthcare decisions can tear families apart.

Our Approach

A Clear Path to Complete Peace of Mind

We've simplified estate planning into a straightforward process that gets your family protected in weeks, not months.

1

Discovery Consultation

We start with a no-obligation conversation to understand your family's unique situation, goals, and concerns. No pressure, just clarity.

2

Custom Strategy Design

Based on your needs, we craft a personalized estate plan using trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and other tools tailored to South Dakota law.

3

Document Preparation

We prepare all necessary legal documents, explaining each one in plain English so you understand exactly what you're signing and why.

4

Signing & Funding

Complete your estate plan with proper execution and help transferring assets into your trust. Your family is now fully protected.

Start Your Estate Plan Today
Client Stories

Families Who Found Peace of Mind

Real feedback from South Dakota families we've helped protect their legacies.

"The most professional, caring, and knowledgeable estate planning experience we've ever had. Stephen made the entire process simple and understandable."

TB

Toinette B.

Rapid City, SD

"Friendly, highly ethical, and professional. They actually suggested we handle part of our matter out of state rather than upselling us on services we didn't need."

G

Garry

Black Hills Region

"After putting it off for years, we finally got our estate plan done. The whole process took less than two weeks, and now we have complete peace of mind."

JM

John & Mary

Spearfish, SD

Stephen J. Wesolick, Estate Planning Attorney
Your Attorney

Meet Stephen J. Wesolick

With over 30 years of legal experience, Stephen J. Wesolick has dedicated his career to helping South Dakota families protect what matters most.

After graduating from South Texas College of Law in 1992 and practicing in Houston for 14 years, Stephen established his firm in Rapid City in 2006. He chose South Dakota because of its exceptional trust and asset-protection laws, one of the highest-ranked jurisdictions in the nation.

Stephen brings his extensive experience in complex business, commercial, and family legal matters to every client relationship, understanding that each family's situation is unique.

AV Distinguished 2021
SD Bar Since 2006
TX Bar Since 1992
Interactive Legal Member
Our Services

Comprehensive Estate Planning Solutions

Wills & Trusts

Revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and testamentary trusts customized to your needs.

Asset Protection

South Dakota's premier trust laws help protect your assets from creditors and lawsuits.

Elder Law

Medicaid planning, long-term care strategies, and special needs planning for aging family members.

Business Succession

Ensure your ranch, farm, or business transfers smoothly to the next generation.

Probate Services

Guidance through the probate process, trust administration, and estate settlement.

Powers of Attorney

Healthcare directives, financial powers, and living wills to protect your wishes.

Is This Right for You?

This is for you if...

  • You want to protect your family from probate court delays
  • You own a home, business, or ranch in South Dakota
  • You want clear direction for healthcare decisions
  • You're ready to stop putting off this important decision
  • You value working with an experienced, trusted attorney

This is NOT for you if...

  • You're looking for the cheapest option available
  • You want a DIY template from the internet
  • You're not serious about protecting your family
  • You prefer to leave these decisions to chance
Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Most estate plans can be completed within 2-3 weeks from your initial consultation. This includes document preparation, review meetings, and final signing. Complex estates involving business succession or special needs planning may take slightly longer.

While a will is essential, a revocable living trust offers significant advantages including avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and providing for incapacity planning. During your consultation, we'll evaluate your specific situation to recommend the best approach for your family.

South Dakota has some of the most favorable trust laws in the nation. Benefits include no state income tax on trust income, strong asset protection provisions, dynasty trusts with no rule against perpetuities, and privacy protections. These advantages make SD trusts attractive even for out-of-state residents.

Estate planning costs vary based on complexity. We offer flat-fee pricing so you know exactly what to expect. Basic estate plans start at a few thousand dollars, while comprehensive plans with trusts, business succession, or advanced strategies may be more. We'll provide a clear quote during your free consultation.

A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a revocable living trust, pour-over will, financial power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, living will, and HIPAA authorization. Depending on your needs, we may also include beneficiary designations review, deed transfers, and business succession documents.

Ready to Protect Your Legacy?

Take the first step toward peace of mind. Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with Stephen Wesolick today.

Free Estate Planning Consultation

Discuss your family's unique situation and learn how we can help protect your legacy.

Schedule Your Free Consultation