South Dakota § 44-8-15 - Mortgages affecting real property--Defective assignments or discharges recorded prior to July 1, 1939, legalized--Rights or purchasers or encumbrancers protected--Use as evidence--Rights barred by no action.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 44-8-15 — Mortgages affecting real property--Defective assignments or discharges recorded prior to July 1, 1939, legalized--Rights or purchasers or encumbrancers protected--Use as evidence--Rights barred by no action., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 44-8-15. Mortgages affecting real property--Defective assignments or discharges recorded prior to July 1, 1939, legalized--Rights or purchasers or encumbrancers protected--Use as evidence--Rights barred by no action.
The record of any assignment or discharge of mortgage affecting real property, which was otherwise entitled to be recorded, and which, prior to January 1, 1992, was copied into the proper book of records kept in the office of any register of deeds, and which has been properly indexed against the real property affected by such instrument, shall be deemed to impart sufficient notice of such instrument and its contents to subsequent purchasers and encumbrancers, notwithstanding that the description of the real property affected by such instrument shall have been omitted therefrom; but nothing herein contained shall affect the rights of purchasers or encumbrancers prior to July 1, 1939.
If any person has any vested right in any real property by reason of any omission referred to in this section, and if no action or proceeding to enforce such right was commenced prior to July 1, 1993, such right shall be forever barred. No action or proceeding brought involving real property shall be of any force or effect, or maintainable in any court of this state, unless prior to July 1, 1993, there was recorded in the office of the register of deeds of the county in which the real property affected is situated, a notice of the pendency of such action, in accordance with chapter 15-10.
Source: SL 1920 (SS), ch 69; SDC 1939, §§ 39.0302, 65.0303; SL 1992, ch 307, § 57.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 44-8-15
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 44-8-15 cover?
Section 44-8-15 ("Mortgages affecting real property--Defective assignments or discharges recorded prior to July 1, 1939, legalized--Rights or purchasers or encumbrancers protected--Use as evidence--Rights barred by no action.") 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 § 44-8-15?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 44-8-15" (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 § 44-8-15 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.