South Dakota § 21-41-9 - Service by publication on unknown defendants--Mail service not required--Effect of service by publication.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-41-9 — Service by publication on unknown defendants--Mail service not required--Effect of service by publication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 21-41-9. Service by publication on unknown defendants--Mail service not required--Effect of service by publication.
The court may grant an order for the service of the summons upon defendants who are unknown, whether heirs, devisees, legatees, personal representatives, or creditors or any other unknown person, by publication upon the filing of an affidavit by the plaintiff, his agent or attorney, stating that if there are any persons other than those named as defendants in the summons and complaint who have or claim to have any interest or estate in or claim to, or lien or encumbrance upon the premises adverse to plaintiff, such persons are unknown. No deposit of a copy of the summons and complaint in the post office for unknown defendants shall be required, and service shall be complete as to all unknown defendants at the expiration of the publication of the summons as ordered and shall be taken and accepted as personal service on all parties unknown who have or claim to have any such interest, estate, claim, lien, or encumbrance in, to, or upon the property described in the complaint.
Source: SL 1903, ch 194, § 6; SL 1905, ch 81; RC 1919, § 2852; SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, § 37.1512; SL 1995, ch 167, § 188.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 21-41-9
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-41-9 cover?
Section 21-41-9 ("Service by publication on unknown defendants--Mail service not required--Effect of service by publication.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 21-41-9?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 21-41-9" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 21-41-9 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.