📅 2026 Update: Changes to Child Visitation Guidelines in South Dakota

Since the original article was written, significant changes have taken place in South Dakota regarding child visitation. The state replaced the term "visitation" with "parenting time" to better reflect the nature of parental involvement. This update is part of a broader effort to enhance the guidelines surrounding child custody and support.

The earlier article continues further down the page.

🆕 📋 New Parenting Time Guidelines

On July 1, 2026, the South Dakota Parenting Guidelines went into effect. This change emphasizes "parenting time" rather than "visitation." The new language aims to recognize the importance of both parents spending time with their children, regardless of custodial status.

📞 🗣️ Public Input on Guidelines

The South Dakota Supreme Court's Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines held public hearings to gather feedback on the new parenting time standards. This step shows the state's commitment to including community input in important decisions concerning child custody.

💵 📊 Child Support Updates

The South Dakota Child Support Commission proposed updates to child support provisions on July 1, 2026. One notable change is a rebuttable presumption of employment at minimum wage when determining child support obligations. This change aims to create a fairer method for calculating support payments.

📝 🏛️ Implementing New Guidelines

To implement the new Parenting Time Guidelines, individuals must file a specific form with the court. The required document is the Petition for Order Implementing South Dakota Parenting Time Guidelines (Form UJS-366). This process will ensure that new standards are formally recognized in custody arrangements.

📌 Summary of Key Changes

  • 🆕 Parenting time replaces "visitation."
  • 📞 Public hearings were held for community input.
  • 💵 Child support calculations now include a minimum wage presumption.
  • 📝 New guidelines require filing a specific petition with the court.

💡 Tips for Navigating Parenting Time and Child Support

Before making decisions, review the details of your situation with your attorney.

🗂️ 📄 Understand the New Terminology

Be aware that "parenting time" is now the preferred term in South Dakota. This reflects a shift in perspective on how parents interact with their children post-divorce or separation.

⚖️ 💰 Know Your Child Support Rights

Child support obligations are determined by the courts based on both parents' combined monthly net incomes. Understanding these calculations can help ensure that obligations are fair and transparent.

📅 ⏳ Stay Informed on Processing Times

If you file a petition for modifying child support, expect a report and recommended order from the referee within 60 days of your hearing. Staying on top of processing times can help you plan accordingly.

📝 🏛️ Follow Required Steps

To implement the new Parenting Time Guidelines, you must submit the correct paperwork. Ensure you complete the Petition for Order Implementing South Dakota Parenting Time Guidelines (Form UJS-366).

🗣️ 🏛️ Participate in Public Hearings

Engaging in public hearings allows parents to voice their opinions on parenting time guidelines. Your input can influence future changes in custody arrangements.

🏆 Child Support and Parenting Time Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section covers services that assist with parenting time and child support issues. The list is based on Trustpilot reviews checked in October 2026. Scores and reviews can change over time.

Ratings provide insight, but unhappy customers often leave more reviews, which can skew perceptions of a company.

🥇 1. CertTranslate

CertTranslate has been rated 4.9. It is known for its certified translation services and quick turnaround times. However, it is limited to translation services and does not cover legal document preparation.

🥈 2. EaseGov

EaseGov holds a Trustpilot score of 4.6. It specializes in U.S. government forms preparation and offers expert review services. Reviewers appreciate its efficiency, but it is limited to form preparation and review.

🥉 3. 001 Translations

001 Translations has an impressive rating of 4.9. It is recognized for its certified translation services and fast delivery. Like other translation services, it does not encompass legal assistance.

4️⃣ RushTranslate

RushTranslate has a score of 4.8. It is well-regarded for its certified translation services and speedy delivery. However, it also focuses solely on translation and does not provide legal document services.

🆓 Free Government Assistance

The South Dakota Unified Judicial System offers free instructions for implementing the Parenting Time Guidelines. This includes completing the necessary forms like the Petition for Order Implementing South Dakota Parenting Time Guidelines (Form UJS-366).

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Services

  • 📄 Types of services offered (translation, form preparation)
  • ⚖️ User ratings and reviews
  • ⏳ Turnaround time for the service
  • 💵 Cost and any hidden fees
  • 📝 Expertise in family law matters

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

❓ What are the new Parenting Time Guidelines?

The new Parenting Time Guidelines emphasize the term "parenting time" over "visitation." This change reflects a more modern understanding of parental involvement.

🏛️ How do I implement the new guidelines?

To implement the new guidelines, you must file a Petition for Order Implementing South Dakota Parenting Time Guidelines (Form UJS-366) with the court.

💵 How does the minimum wage presumption affect child support?

The new presumption of employment at minimum wage for child support calculations aims to ensure fair obligations based on realistic income levels.

📅 How long will it take to modify a child support order?

Once you file a modification petition, it typically takes about 60 days for the referee to prepare and submit a report and recommended order to the Circuit Court.

🗣️ Can I participate in public hearings about parenting time?

Yes, the South Dakota Supreme Court's Commission on Parenting Time Guidelines holds public hearings where community input is welcomed.

📝 What should I do if I need help with the new guidelines?

You can refer to the South Dakota Unified Judicial System for instructions on implementing the Parenting Time Guidelines, which can help you navigate the process.

⚖️ Recent Cases Impacting Child Custody and Support

Recent court rulings in South Dakota have influenced child custody and support matters. These rulings reflect the evolving nature of parenting time and child support guidelines in the state.

You can browse more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update






 



An Introduction to South Dakota Child Visitation Guidelines



 

South Dakota Child Visitation Guidelines


The courts of the state of South Dakota understand that families carry on even after marriages end, and that no spousal separation should result in the separation of a parent from their child. Therefore, they have patiently developed South Dakota child visitation guidelines to help parents to devise visitation schedules that can work well for them. These South Dakota child visitation guidelines are just that, guidelines, and they will certainly need to be deviated from and adjusted to perfectly fit your family’s needs as it changes over the years. Yet its use as a baseline to begin understanding and negotiating is indisputable.



 



South Dakota Child Visitation Guidelines for Children Under Five



 



Frequent short visits fit into the routine of the child are best for the very young. Overnight visits are not a great idea according to South Dakota child visitation guidelines unless the noncustodial parent is especially close to their child. For infants under six months, three two-hour visits a week are recommended with one weekend day of six hours. After six months, the weekday visits may be extended to three hours at a time. After eighteen months, overnight trips are more frequently mixed into the normal schedule according to South Dakota child visitation laws.



 



By preschool age, one overnight visit on alternating weekends becomes normal with one mid-week visit to conclude no later than one-half hour before the child’s normal bedtime. An additional two week stay with the noncustodial parent is also typical. If possible, South Dakota child visitation guidelines recommend the two parents using the same day care provider. 



 



South Dakota Child Visitation Guidelines for Children Over Five



 



Secondary parents typically spend alternating weekends with their children, with the weekend going from 5:30 P.M. Friday to 7:00 P.M. Sunday. Additionally, once a week weekday visits of two to three hours are permitted. It is the responsibility of visiting parents to transport themselves or their children for visits according to South Dakota child visitation guidelines.



 



Approximately one half of summer vacation should be spent with the secondary parent. This may be in one consecutive block or split into two periods. During this time, the primary parent should have the visitational rights of the secondary parent. If the child is enrolled in school, the secondary parent should transport them there or find an equivalent program near to the secondary parent’s home.



 



Similarly, one-half of Christmas vacation should be spend with the non-custodial parent, with which half alternating from year to year.  There are five holiday weekends—Easter,  Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Thanksgiving which should be split up and alternated between the parents. As for birthdays, the child’s birthday should alternate from year to year, while the parent should be able to spend their birthday with their child unless it interferes with the secondary parent’s extended summer visitational period. All weekends missed because of holidays should be made-up.