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Divorce prep · South Dakota
Child custody and parenting plans in South Dakota
South Dakota law requires all parties in a child custody or parenting time action to complete a court-approved parenting course within sixty days of being served. If South Dakota parents cannot agree, the judge can order them both to mediation with a court-approved mediator, and mediation is not binding.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- South Dakota law requires all parties in a child custody or parenting time action to complete a court-approved parenting course within sixty days of being served. South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Form UJS-180 checklist. Checked November 2, 2026
- If South Dakota parents cannot agree, the judge can order them both to mediation with a court-approved mediator, and mediation is not binding. South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Form UJS-180 checklist. Checked November 2, 2026
- In South Dakota, a party who disagrees with the standard parenting time guidelines must file an objection within 10 days of receiving notice. South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Shared Parenting Guidelines and Plans. Checked November 2, 2026
- If no objection is filed within 10 days of service, a South Dakota parent may submit the proposed order implementing the state parenting time guidelines. South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Shared Parenting Guidelines and Plans. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
- South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Form UJS-180 checklist
- South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Shared Parenting Guidelines and Plans
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Bank, retirement and debt statements
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Household bills and expenses
- Home, car and property papers
- Agreements and court papers you have
- Messages sent to you
- Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for South Dakota
- How child support works in South Dakota
- How to get a copy of your divorce record in South Dakota
- Protective orders for domestic violence in South Dakota
- Divorce document checklist: the full guide
- Child custody and parenting plans: all states
Neighbouring states
- Child custody and parenting plans in Iowa
- Child custody and parenting plans in Minnesota
- Child custody and parenting plans in Montana
- Child custody and parenting plans in Nebraska
- Child custody and parenting plans in North Dakota
Questions
Where do these South Dakota facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Form UJS-180 checklist; South Dakota Unified Judicial System: Shared Parenting Guidelines and Plans. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in South Dakota or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for divorce prep?
A good start: Bank, retirement and debt statements; Pay stubs and tax returns; Household bills and expenses; Home, car and property papers; Agreements and court papers you have; Messages sent to you; Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.