South Dakota Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources

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Custody in South Dakota is decided in the Circuit Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.

The wording differs from state to state, so read the official South Dakota documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.

Official South Dakota custody resources

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South Dakota family law forms (official index) (South Dakota judicial branch): The official statewide collection of South Dakota family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://ujs.sd.gov/Forms

South Dakota court self-help resources (South Dakota courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own South Dakota family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://ujs.sd.gov/Self_Help

South Dakota mediation and dispute resolution (South Dakota judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a South Dakota family case without a trial. https://ujs.sd.gov/Mediation

South Dakota Odyssey File & Serve (Tyler Technologies): South Dakota's e-filing system is only open to attorneys and other approved users. If you are representing yourself, file on paper with the clerk of courts in your county. https://efilesd.tylertech.cloud/OfsEfsp/ui/landing

South Dakota rules of procedure (South Dakota judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in South Dakota. https://ujs.sd.gov/Supreme_Court/Rules.aspx

Verified official South Dakota custody documents

These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.

Complaint, Child Custody / Parenting Time / Support (UJS-182), form UJS-182 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://ujs.sd.gov/media/c4chknvt/ujs-182-complaint_05_2026.pdf

Summons, Child Custody Action (UJS-181), form UJS-181 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://ujs.sd.gov/media/1jzl1two/ujs-181-summons-child-custody_05_2026.pdf

Stipulation, Custody / Parenting Time / Support Agreement (UJS-185), form UJS-185 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://ujs.sd.gov/media/ukkp0mon/ujs-185-stipulation-custody-parenting-time-and-support-agreement_04_2026.pdf

South Dakota Parenting / Visitation Guidelines (UJS-302), form UJS-302 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://ujs.sd.gov/media/whpoobvq/ujs-302-south-dakota-visitation-guidelines.pdf

Official link data for South Dakota was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Which court hears family cases in South Dakota?

Family cases in South Dakota are heard in the Circuit Court. South Dakota's Circuit Court hears all divorce and custody cases. South Dakota's 66 counties are grouped into 7 judicial circuits.

Does South Dakota favor one parent over the other?

Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official South Dakota forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.

Do we have to go to mediation first?

Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official South Dakota mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.