Contact Your SD Legislator (Pischke & Shared Parenting)

Jurisdiction: 

Area of Law: 

Contact Your SD Legislator (Pischke & Shared Parenting)

KCPO Public Service Message: Contact Your SD Legislator (Pischke & Shared Parenting)

Free Legal Aid provides useful information about child custody. In addition to the video here, be sure you check out other resources.

What Are the Child Custody Laws in South Dakota?

South Dakota uses several criteria to determine child custody, a list of factors determined to help identify what type of custody arrangement is in the child's best interests. Under South Dakota law, a parent who has been convicted of domestic violence, child abuse or assault is not fit to have custody. Check to learn more.

Child Custody in South Dakota: The Best Interests of the Child

In any custody dispute between divorcing parents, South Dakota judges are required to make a  “balanced and methodical” assessment of what is in the best interests of the child. If the parents agree on a custody and visitation plan, they may submit that plan to the court before the custody hearing. Check to learn more.

Mediating

A mediator is an impartial professional; usually approved by the court, trained in problem solving, conflict resolution and child development. Usually, the parties select a mediator from the list of court-approved mediators. Check to learn more.

SOUTH DAKOTA PARENTING GUIDELINES

A powerful cause of stress, suffering, and maladjustment in children of divorce or separation is not simply the divorce or separation itself, but rather the continuing conflict between their parents before, during, and after the divorce and/or separation. Check to learn more.