S.D. Codified Laws § 25-4-45.5

Current with legislation signed by the governor on or before 3/6/2024

Section 25-4-45.5 - Consideration of domestic abuse and assault conviction in custody award

In awarding custody involving a minor, the court shall consider:

(1) A conviction of domestic abuse as defined in subdivision 25-10-1(1); or

(2) A conviction of assault against a person as defined in subdivision 25-10-1(2), except against any person related by consanguinity, but not living in the same household; or

(3) A history of domestic abuse.

The conviction or history of domestic abuse creates a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to the abusive parent is not in the best interest of the minor. A history of domestic abuse may only be proven by greater convincing force of the evidence.

SDCL 25-4-45.5

SL 1997, ch 156, §1; SL 2008, ch 122, §1.