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Child Support

Whether you need to modify your child support orders, access documents about child support or enforce child support payments that are late, find all you need below with these resources.

General Child Support Information

The Division of Child Support through the South Dakota Department of Social Services provides helpful information about how child support works. Please visit their website for child support information for parents and caregivers, receiving or making a payment, changing your order, calculating support and more. Visit the DSS Child Support Page

Find a Child Support Referee  Access Information on SD Child Support Referees 

Child Support Obligation Calculator

The South Dakota Department of Social Services offers a child support obligation calculator designed to give a general estimate of potential child support payments. This calculator is intended solely for informational purposes and is based on the laws outlined in the South Dakota Child Support Guidelines. White it offers an estimate, it does not guarantee the amount that a court may ultimately order. The link below will direct you to the South Dakota Department of Socials Service website, where you can access the calculator and additional information regarding child support. 

Child Support Obligation Calculator

Modification of South Dakota Child Support

In South Dakota, the circuit court judge is the only entity with authority to modify a child support obligation. This is usually done in response to a petition filed by one of the parents. Either parent or a representative may file a petition to modify their child support order. A support order may be modified without showing any change in circumstances if the order was entered and in effect prior to July 1, 2022.

An order entered and in effect after July 1, 2022 may be modified only:

  1. If it was entered three years or more from the date the petition is filed; or
  2. Upon showing a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the entry of the order.

Find More Information on the DSS Website

Petition to Modify Child Support Order

Enforcing My Child Support Order

Parents who need to enforce child support orders or collect overdue payments due to a violation of a child support order are encouraged to contact their local DSS office to explore available options. Options may include imposing penalties or seizing assets to help collect overdue child support.

Access to Child Support Late Payment Information 

Guide and File Petition to Modify Child Support Order

The Guide and File System will help you create the petition to modify child support by having you answer a series of questions. The system will then generate a completed form for you to print.

Petition to Modify Child Support

UJS 180 Instructions for Uncontested Custody, Visitation and Support Action

Step-by-step instructions for filing uncontested custody, visitation, and support actions, ensuring proper legal procedures are followed.

English

UJS 182 Complaint (Paternity Action)

This initiates an uncontested custody case, detailing requests for custody, visitation, and child support to establish legal arrangements

English

UJS 183 Notice and Admission of Service of Summons and Complaints

Notice confirms the defendant’s receipt and acknowledgment of the summons and complaint in uncontested custody cases, ensuring proper service.

English

UJS 184 Instructions for Service of Summons (Paternity Actions), South Dakota Parenting Guidelines and Complaint (Paternity Actions)

Instructions guide proper service of summons and complaints to ensure legal notice is given in uncontested custody cases per court requirements.

English

UJS 185 Stipulation, Custody, Parenting Time and Support Agreement

Agreement records mutual terms for custody, parenting time, and support in uncontested cases, providing a clear basis for the court's final order.

English

UJS 186 Order (Paternity Action)

Order establishes paternity in uncontested custody cases, ensuring legal recognition of parentage for custody, visitation, and child support purposes.

English

UJS 187 Notice of Entry of Order (Paternity Action)

Notice formally informs parties of the court's entry of an order in uncontested custody, visitation, or support cases, ensuring all are aware of the decision.

English

Related Topics

Child Abuse and Neglect

Get important resources for navigating child abuse situations in South Dakota. Find attorneys, support and how to take action.

Child Custody

Access documents, forms, files and necessary information related to child custody, visitation, etc. These documents are for any mother, father, parent or legal guardian of a minor.

Child Support Late Fees

Find out how to request late fees and begin the process of late fee payments for chronically delinquent child support payments. Use this step-by-step guide.