RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS:
in South Dakota, the spouse filing for divorce must be a resident of the state or be stationed in the state
while a member of the armed services at the time of filing and until the divorce is final. South Dakota has no
minimum residency requirement.
GROUNDS
South Dakota’s no-fault grounds for divorce are irreconcilable differences, causing the irretrievable breakdown
of the marriage.
Some fault-based grounds for divorce in South Dakota include, but are not limited to, adultery, conviction of a
felony, willful desertion and cruel or inhuman treatment.
CHILD CUSTODY
in an effort to preserve the best interests of the child, the court may order joint legal custody, taking into
consideration the wishes of the parents. The court may also grant one of the parents sole responsibility over
all aspects of the child's welfare, or may divide parenting duties between the parties, in based on protecting
the child’s best interests. Generally, the court will approve any agreement reached by the parties regarding
parenting, so long as the best interests of the child are adhered to. The court will generally approve any
agreement the parties reach concerning custody, so long as it appears to be in the child's best interest.
CHILD SUPPORT
South Dakota has adopted child support guidelines which apply in virtually every case, unless special
circumstances are present. The child support calculation takes into consideration the gross income of both
parties, and certain child related expenses. Child support will continue until the child reaches the age of
majority, and may be extended through his or her secondary education.
VENUE
An action for divorce may be brought in the county of residence of either party.
MEDIATION
The Courts of South Dakota are authorized to order mediation for any custody or visitation dispute between
parents. Either party may file a motion requesting mediation of their disputed issues, if a divorce is pending.
Prior to the initiation of divorce proceedings, the parties may choose to submit any or all of their issues to
mediation so that they may proceed in court on an uncontested basis.
FILING FEES
Court filing fees are in addition to the cost of using mydivorceapplication.com. This cost may vary by county. Please
check with your local courthouse to determine the exact amount.