South Dakota · Circuit Court — Family Division
South Dakota family court, without the confusion.
South Dakota Circuit Court handles divorce, custody, child support, and protection orders.
We walk you through exactly what to fill out, in plain English, and produce the forms ready to sign and file.
Where do you need help?
Coming soon
Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage
Start or respond to a divorce case. Covers petition, financial disclosure, and the complete filing packet.
Coming soon
Child Custody / Parenting Time
Establish custody and parenting time when you were never married or as part of a divorce.
Coming soon
Modify Custody or Parenting Time
Change an existing custody or parenting time order when circumstances have significantly changed.
Coming soon
Child Support
Establish or modify a child support order.
Coming soon
Establish Paternity
Legally establish parentage when the parents were not married.
Coming soon
Protective Order
Get an emergency order to protect yourself or your children from domestic violence or harassment.
Coming soon
Relocation (Moving with Children)
Request court approval to move with your children, or oppose a move.
Coming soon
Enforce a Court Order
Bring the other party back to court when they are violating an existing order.
Coming soon
Name Change
Change your name or your child's name through the court.
Coming soon
Spousal Support / Alimony
Request or respond to a request for spousal support or alimony.
What South Dakota requires — before you file
1
No residency requirement. South Dakota has no minimum residency requirement for divorce — you can file immediately upon establishing domicile.
2
No mandatory waiting period. South Dakota has no statutory waiting period for uncontested divorce.
3
Financial disclosure required. Both parties must exchange financial information.
South Dakota has no residency requirement and no waiting period — one of the most accessible states for divorce. Uses 'legal custody' and 'physical custody.'
All 15 South Dakota Counties
South Dakota family law forms are filed in the county Circuit Court where you or the respondent lives.
Minnehaha
Pennington
Lincoln
Brown
Codington
Brookings
Meade
Yankton
Lake
Lawrence
Davison
Beadle
Clay
Hughes
Charles Mix