My question involves estate proceedings in the state of: South Dakota.
My father passed away five weeks ago. I am his only biological child. His wife, my stepmother, died prior to him seven years ago. They had a joint Will created in 1997, and when she passed the Will was enacted. That Will largely favored her children and barely recognized me (as she forced my dad to choose between us). Since that time, my dad supposedly had a new Will created in 2011, however following his death the Will has mysteriously disappeared, and the only Will that can be found is the one from 1997. My step-siblings have essentially taken over my father's house and are dictating how things should be doled out and separated. Despite an executor having been named (their aunt) they are removing documents and making plans to sell my dad's house and possessions without my consent. Since I live out of state, my dad's brother and aunt have been trying to get information but have been largely kept in the dark about what's happening. Do I have any standing in this situation? I am concerned that they are hiding information and attempting to divert assets that are needed to pay off outstanding bills. My side of the family is very concerned that something unethical is taking place but without access to the information we don't know if there's any legal option to freeze everything and have an external probate representative take over. The estate will not amount to much, if anything, when all is said and done. Do we have any options?

