Adoption Records
Learn about how to obtain adoption records as an adoptive parent or the adoptee. Access documents and instructions on how to petition the court and beyond.
Protection Orders
Whether you are a vulnerable adult, a victim of domestic violence or a victim of stalking, you may be entitled to a protection order in South Dakota. Learn more about how and get help filling out forms.
Fifth Judicial Circuit
The Fifth Judicial Circuit serves 10 counties in northeastern South Dakota, handling civil, criminal, and family cases, with the main office in Aberdeen.
How Do I
Discover answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about South Dakota’s legal system and related processes.
First Judicial Circuit
The First Judicial Circuit is served by six circuit court judges, two magistrate judges, and court clerk magistrates in each of the 14 counties in the circuit. Assisting the presiding judge is an appointed circuit court administrator and a chief court services officer. Circuit administrative offices are located in the Yankton County Courthouse and Safety Center, 410 Walnut Street, Yankton, SD.
Second Judicial Circuit
The Second Judicial Circuit is the largest judicial circuit in South Dakota by population with about 285,467 residents, according to the latest census figures. The Circuit Administration office is located in the Minnehaha County Courthouse in Sioux Falls.
Third Judicial Circuit
The Third Judicial Circuit Court is served by six Circuit Court Judges, two Magistrate Judges, Clerk Magistrates, Deputy Clerk Magistrates, Court Service Officers, Court Reports and Support Staff. Assisting the Presiding Judge is a Circuit Court Administrator and a Chief Court Services Officer. Circuit administrative offices are located in the Brookings County Courthouse 314 6th Avenue, Brookings, SD.
Fourth Judicial Circuit
The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court is served by four circuit court judges, two law-trained magistrate judges, and court clerk magistrates in each county in the circuit. Assisting the presiding judge is an appointed circuit court administrator and a chief court services officer. Circuit administrative offices are located in the Meade County Courthouse, 1425 Sherman Street, Sturgis, SD.
Sixth Judicial Circuit
The Sixth Judicial Circuit Court is served by four circuit court judges, one magistrate judge, and court clerk magistrates serving each county in the circuit. Assisting the presiding judge is an appointed circuit court administrator and a chief court services officer. Circuit administrative offices are located in the Hughes County Courthouse, 104 E. Capitol Ave., Pierre, SD
Court Records Search
Learn about the ways that South Dakota offers individuals and agencies access to court case information and court records for criminal and civil matters.