Plaintiff Forms (Divorce with Minor Child)

A set of forms and instructions for the plaintiff in a divorce action involving minor children.

Guide and File Divorce with Children

The Guide and File system will help you create the documents you need to begin the process of initiating a divorce with children by answering a series of questions and that will then generate completed forms for you to print. 

Guide for Representing Yourself in Court

In this booklet, you will learn how the South Dakota court system works. You will learn the process to represent yourself in a courtroom without a lawyer. 

A Guide for Representing Yourself

Forms for the Plaintiff in a Divorce with Children

In a divorce proceeding, the individual who initiates the action is designated as the plaintiff, while the other party is referred to as the defendant. The forms provided below include checklists and guidelines for initiating and finalizing the divorce process.

ALL FORMS MUST BE PRINTED SINGLE-SIDED AND COMPLETED IN BLACK INK

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Starting a Divorce

A checklist for the Plaintiff in a divorce action with minor children.

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Form UJS-311 Instructions and Summons for Divorce initiates a divorce action and requires the Defendant to Answer, or default may be entered against them.

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Form UJS-312 initiates a divorce case involving minor children, detailing claims and requested court actions.

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This form is a Financial Affidavit used to disclose income, expenses, assets and debts, ensuring accurate financial assessments by the court.

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A set of parenting guidelines that are required to be served with a Summons and Complaint for Divorce with Minor Children.

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Requesting to Waive Filing/Service Fees

This form allows individuals in South Dakota to request a waiver of court filing and service fees due to financial hardship.

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This form is a court order granting a waiver of filing and service fees in South Dakota cases, issued upon approval of a motion due to financial hardship.

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Serving the Defendant

Instructions and forms to confirm service of legal documents in divorce cases with minor children.

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Request to Waive Parenting Course Requirement

Confirms completion of a court-approved parenting course, meeting legal requirements for custody, visitation, or support cases.

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Settling a Divorce

A settlement form is a mutual agreement between the parties in divorce cases with minor children, avoiding court intervention.

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An Affidavit establishing jurisdiction and grounds for divorce with minor children.

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Finalizing a Stipulated Divorce

This form collects key details for child support cases, ensuring accurate records and compliance in uncontested custody matters.

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A form to finalize a divorce decree involving minor children and when both parties have signed a stipulation agreement.

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Requesting a Default Divorce

Steps for submitting a request for a default divorce judgment in cases with minor children. This can used when the Defendant has failed to file an Answer to the Summons and Complaint.

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Statement used to confirm whether a defendant in an eviction case is currently serving in the military, ensuring compliance with legal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act.

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Steps for submitting a default judgment in a divorce case with minor children. This form can only be submitted if the Defendant has failed to file an Answer to the Summons and Complaint.

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Dismissing a Divorce Case

Steps and form for dismissing a civil action by mutual agreement of both parties.

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A form to request submitted by the plaintiff to dismiss a civil action as long as the Defendant has not filed an Answer or Motion for Summary Judgment.

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Print All Packet

A combined packet including all forms and instructions for the plaintiff in a divorce action with minor children.

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For Questions on Forms

For specific questions on UJS forms, you can email UJS staff at ujssrlhelp@ujs.state.sd.us or call the legal form helpline at 1-855-784-0004.

Related Divorce with Children Topics

Forms for the Defendant - Divorce with Minor Child

A set of forms and instructions for the defendant in a divorce action involving minor children.

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.

Shared Parenting Guidelines & Plans

Learn how shared parenting works in South Dakota, including your options for addressing parenting time orders, implementing parenting guidelines and building a plan that supports your child’s well-being.

Serving Someone

Service or "serving" someone is communicating with the other party to issue papers and informing them about the lawsuit. Service can be done in person, by mail, or by a sheriff's office or private process server.

Mediation

Mediation helps resolve disputes voluntarily, saving time and money. It's informal, confidential, and often quicker than lawsuits, with both parties controlling outcomes.

Representing Yourself

Prepare to represent yourself in court with these tips on self-representation, including how to fill out forms, start a court action, prepare for your court appearance, do research and present yourself in a courtroom.