Here is the opinion in In re Estate of Flaws.
An excerpt:
Based upon the plain language of SDCL 29A-2-114 and the foregoing authorities, we hold that the trial court did not err in determining that the methods and time limits in the statute for establishing paternity are exclusive. A question remains, however, as to whether Yvette failed to comply with any of them. The trial court found that Yvette had petitioned the Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Hearings and Appeals to reopen Donald’s probate to include her as an heir. For that reason, the court initially took this matter under advisement to see if Yvette’s petition would be granted. The court subsequently determined it could take more than a year to have Yvette’s petition heard. For that reason, the court issued its decision and this appeal followed. The day after the filing of Yvette’s appellant’s brief, however, the Bureau of Indian Affairs tribunal issued an order directing any parties opposed to naming Yvette as an heir to Donald’s estate to show cause for their objections within thirty days. Thus, Yvette’s efforts to reopen Donald’s probate may still prove successful, permitting her to comply with SDCL 29A-2-114(c) to establish Donald’s paternity. In the interests of justice, therefore, we remand this matter to the trial court to wait for a reasonable time for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ decision and to proceed accordingly.
Turtle Talk 