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Custody, also called ?custodial responsibility,? is defined by South Dakota law as all powers and responsibilities related to taking care of your child, known as caretaking authority, and making decisions on his/her behalf, known as decision-making authority.

(a) A court of this state has temporary emergency jurisdiction if the child is present in this state and the child has been abandoned or it is necessary in an emergency to protect the child because the child, or a sibling or parent of the child, is subjected to or threatened with mistreatment or abuse.

South Dakota child custody laws don't prescribe a certain age when a child's preference may be considered. Judges have broad discretion when deciding how much weight to give the child's preference. In some South Dakota custody cases, judges have considered the well-reasoned preferences of children as young as 10.

How to File for Custody in South Dakota Agree on a Parenting Plan. It is highly recommended that the parents try to reach an agreement on the terms of custody before starting the legal process. ... Calculate Child Support. ... Complete and File Required Forms. ... Serve the Forms. ... Receive Court Order.

In South Dakota, the standard parenting guidelines will set out the custody arrangement to be followed by the parents. You can object to the standard guidelines and the judge will order a hearing within thirty days.

If an existing custody order or other enforceable agreement does not expressly govern the relocation of the principal residence of a child, a parent who intends to change his or her principal residence shall, provide reasonable written notice by certified mail or admission of service to the other legal parent of the ...