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Child custody and support in South Dakota

Custody and child support in a South Dakota divorce: the legal term for custody, the official support calculator, custody mediation and the child support agency.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

South Dakota law uses the term “custody and visitation (parenting time; Standard Guidelines / Shared Parenting Guidelines)” for custody. South Dakota publishes an official child support calculator or guidelines.

Custody term
Custody and visitation (parenting time; Standard Guidelines / Shared Parenting Guidelines)
Child support calculator
Official child support calculator or guidelines
Child support agency
South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support

Custody terms in South Dakota

Custody and visitation (parenting time; Standard Guidelines / Shared Parenting Guidelines)

Mediation

Required in custody or visitation disputes between parents: the court must order mediation, except in cases of domestic abuse conviction and similar situations. SDCL 25-4-56.

Child support in South Dakota

Child support follows South Dakota's guidelines. Estimate it with the official calculator, and contact the state's child support agency for help setting up or collecting it.

Good to know

Mediation is mandatory for parents' custody and visitation disputes, with DV exceptions. (SDCL 25-4-56)

Children in a South Dakota divorce: what the process includes

  1. Custody

    The court's orders use South Dakota's term for custody: custody and visitation (parenting time; Standard Guidelines / Shared Parenting Guidelines).

  2. Mediation

    If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.

  3. Child support

    Estimate it first: the official calculator

  4. The child support agency

    For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.

Questions about custody and child support in South Dakota

What is child custody called in South Dakota?

South Dakota uses the term “custody and visitation (parenting time; Standard Guidelines / Shared Parenting Guidelines)”.

Is there an official child support calculator for South Dakota?

Yes. South Dakota's official calculator or guidelines: the official calculator

Which agency handles child support in South Dakota?

South Dakota Department of Social Services, Division of Child Support.

Is mediation required for custody in South Dakota?

Required in custody or visitation disputes between parents: the court must order mediation, except in cases of domestic abuse conviction and similar situations. SDCL 25-4-56.

More about divorce in South Dakota

Custody and support in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.