Farm & Ranch

A meaningful estate plan does more then transfer assets. It Carries your values, your wishes, and your story forward so the people and causes you love are cared for, exactly the way you intended.

Five pieces of a complete plan.

A good estate plan covers more than a will. We help you think through each of these, and coordinate with your attorney to put them in writing.

Protect the Legacy

Wills, trusts, asset titling, and beneficiary coordination so what you've spent a lifetime building reaches the right people, in the right way, with as little friction as possible.

Prepare the Next Generation

Family meetings, financial literacy, and the candid conversations that pass down the why behind the wealth, so heirs inherit values and not just assets.

Build a Transferable, Valuable Operation

For business owners: ownership structure, valuation, buy-sell agreements, and exit strategy. The business you've built can outlast you, on terms you choose.

Preserve & Manage Wealth

Investment strategy, insurance review, and tax-efficient planning that keeps your assets compounding and shielded through every season of the market and life.

Your legacy deserves a plan.

A complete plan doesn't happen by accident. It's the result of an honest conversation, careful coordination, and a team that keeps pace with your life. We'd be honored to help you build yours.

Begin Your Plan →

Why It Matters

2 of 3

Americans don't have a will or any formal estate plan.

Caring.com Wills Survey

$84T

Expected to transfer between generations through 2045, the largest wealth transfer in history.

Cerulli Associates

9-24 mo

Typical probate timeline when no plan is in place. Often longer in contested cases.

Industry average

South Dakota is consistently ranked the most trust-friendly state in the nation.

Trusts & Estates rankings

A conversation with a client at Partridge Financial

Where We Begin

What's the first step in planning?

An honest, no-pressure answer to the question we hear most.

It's simpler than most people expect.

The first step is a conversation. Thirty to forty-five minutes, in our office or by phone, so we can get to know each other.

A few of the things we'll ask:

What do you want for your family?
What do you want for your operation?
What concerns keep you up at night?
What would a successful transition look like to you?

You'll get to ask us anything too. No pressure, no obligation, and no follow-up call you didn't ask for.

That's it. That's the first step.

Start a Conversation → Call: 605-791-7278

When should I start estate planning?

The honest answer: as soon as you have anyone who depends on you, owns anything you'd want passed on, or could be affected by your medical decisions. That usually means everyone over 18. Most clients come to us around a life event: a child, a home purchase, a parent's passing, a business sale. But the best time is always now.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?

A will tells the court what you want; a trust does it without the court. Wills go through probate, a public and sometimes lengthy process. Trusts let assets pass to beneficiaries privately and often more quickly. Many of our clients use both: a trust for most assets and a "pour-over" will to catch anything that wasn't titled into the trust.

Do I really need an estate plan if I'm not wealthy?

Estate planning is less about wealth and more about decisions. Who raises your kids if something happens to you and your spouse? Who can speak to your doctor if you can't? Who handles your accounts and pays your bills? Those questions matter at every asset level. The cost of leaving them unanswered falls on the people you love.

What happens if I die without a plan?

Your state's intestacy laws take over. They decide who inherits, in what shares, and on what timeline, usually after a probate process that can stretch many months. The result rarely matches what you would have chosen, and any family disagreement plays out in a public court setting.

How often should I update my estate plan?

We recommend a formal review every three to five years and after any major life event: marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a beneficiary, a significant change in assets, a move to a new state, or a major change in tax law. Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance deserve a quick check every year.

Why does South Dakota matter for estate planning?

South Dakota is widely regarded as one of the strongest jurisdictions in the country for trusts: no state income tax, robust asset protection, perpetual (dynasty) trusts, and favorable privacy laws. For South Dakota residents, that's a meaningful built-in advantage. For out-of-state clients, certain South Dakota trusts can open up planning options their home state doesn't allow.

Do you replace my attorney or CPA?

No, and that's intentional. We're not attorneys; we don't draft legal documents. Our role is the financial side: making sure your investments, accounts, beneficiary designations, and tax strategy all line up with what your attorney is putting on paper. If you don't have an estate attorney yet, we'll introduce you to several we trust.

What does a first conversation look like?

A relaxed thirty to forty-five minutes, in our office or by phone. No documents required, no commitment, no charge. We listen, we ask a few questions about what you have and what you're hoping for, and we tell you honestly whether we're a good fit and what we'd suggest as the next step.