Family Law
Abuse and Neglect Case Information
What are the common terms in an Child Protection Case?
A&N - Abuse and Neglect
CPS - Child Protection Services
DSS - Department of Social Services
ICPC – Interstate Compact for the...
Adoption
Adoption is the legal creation of a parent-child relationship. The adoption process is designed to give permanent homes for children who need them. Adoptive parents become the child's legal...
Child Support
The South Dakota Legislature established guidelines which courts must use to decide that a fair share of parental income and resources is allocated to the child when that child’s parents are...
Divorce
A divorce is a legal action that ends a marriage. During a divorce, parties divide assets and debts. It may also give spousal support, which is sometimes called alimony. The divorce proceeding...
Domestic Violence
What is domestic violence?
Domestic violence is any behavior the purpose of which is to gain power and control over a spouse, partner, girl/boyfriend or intimate family member. This may...
Family Law - Custody & Visitation
How do I make my South Dakota custody and visitation schedule?
When creating a child visitation schedule in the State of South Dakota, it is important to be aware of the laws governing...
Family Law - Name Change
Who is allowed to change their name?
Many South Dakota residents may change their name following marriage or through divorce proceedings. However, some people wish to change their name for...
Family Law - Protection Orders
There are three types of Protection Orders in South Dakota:
Domestic Abuse Protection Order
Stalking Protection Order
Vulnerable Adult Protection Order
South Dakota Protection...
Guardianship_Conservatorship
What is a Guardianship or Conservatorship?
Guardianships and conservatorships are court-created and court-supervised relationships between two people. In a guardianship a person, called the...
Juvenile Delinquency & Supervision
What does a Juvenile Proceeding Involve?
A juvenile delinquency proceeding is started by the state when a child commits an act that would be considered a crime if they were an adult. While a...
Marriage
What is marriage?
The law defines marriage as a personal relation, between two people, arising out of a civil contract. Marriage requires consent of the parties followed by a ceremony.
There...
Parenting Plans
How do I make my SD parenting plan / child custody agreement?
In South Dakota, you can write up your own parenting plan (on your own or with the other parent). You can work with an attorney or...
Paternity
What is Paternity?
Paternity means fatherhood. In the legal sense, “establishing paternity” refers to the determination of a child’s “legal” father and the related rights and...