Free · South Dakota · Current law
Based on South Dakota's official Income Shares formula. Enter both parents' incomes and get an estimate in under a minute.
Before taxes — wages, self-employment, bonuses
A best estimate is fine for now
Taxes, mandatory retirement, union dues…
Work or school related
Estimated monthly support
The other parent pays you, the parent with primary timesharing.
Estimate only — based on a simplified reading of SDCL 25-7-6.2 Support Obligation Schedule. Official calculator → A judge can deviate. Not legal advice.
Get a plain-English copy of this estimate, the numbers used, and a short checklist for what to review before relying on it.
South Dakota uses the Income Shares Model. The child support obligation is determined by first calculating the combined monthly net income of both parents. This combined income is then used with a schedule (table) to find the basic support obligation based on the number of children. This obligation is then divided proportionately between the parents based on their individual net incomes. The noncustodial parent's proportionate share becomes the child support order. Additionally, the court may split costs for child care and healthcare coverage. Special rules apply for low-income parents, split custody, and shared parenting arrangements.
A substantial change in either parent's income — voluntary or involuntary — can trigger a modification.
Changes in childcare costs or the children's health insurance premiums directly adjust the support amount.
If the custody schedule changes significantly, support can be recalculated under South Dakota guidelines.
Medical conditions, disabilities, or educational needs can justify a departure from the guideline amount.
Common questions
A divorce in South Dakota cannot be finalized until at least 60 days have passed from the date the summons and complaint were served to the defendant (SDCL § 25-4-34). Uncontested divorces can be resolved relatively quickly after this waiting period, while contested divorces can take much longer.
While it is possible to file for divorce without a lawyer, especially in uncontested cases, it is generally recommended to seek legal counsel. The Unified Judicial System provides forms and instructions for self-represented litigants, but a lawyer can help navigate complex issues like property division, child custody, and alimony.
Yes, South Dakota is a no-fault divorce state. A divorce can be granted based on 'irreconcilable differences,' meaning there are substantial reasons for the marriage to end, without needing to prove fault (SDCL § 25-4-17.1). However, fault-based grounds like adultery or extreme cruelty are also recognized.
South Dakota follows the principle of equitable distribution for marital property. This means that property is divided fairly, but not necessarily equally, between spouses. The court considers various factors, including the length of the marriage, the value of assets, age and health of each spouse, earning capacity, and contributions to the marital property (SDCL § 25-4-44).
In South Dakota, child custody decisions are based on the best interests of the child. The court considers factors such as the child's wishes (if of sufficient age and maturity), the parents' ability to provide care, and the child's adjustment to home, school, and community. Mediation is often required in custody and visitation disputes (SDCL § 25-4-56).
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