South Dakota Child Support Calculator

How SD's Child Support Formula Works

South Dakota believes children should receive the same portion of parental income they would have if you lived together. The court combines your and the other parent's incomes to find a total support amount from a state table. Your share of that amount is then based on your percentage of the combined income.

Understanding South Dakota's Shared Custody Rules

When you have your child for 180 or more nights a year, South Dakota law uses a different formula to recognize the costs of shared parenting. The basic support amount is increased by 50% to account for expenses in both homes, and then a 'cross-credit' is applied to adjust each parent's final obligation.

South Dakota Child Support FAQs

At what age does child support end in SD?

In South Dakota, child support typically ends when a child turns 18. However, if the child is still a full-time student in a secondary school, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever occurs first.

How is child support calculated if one parent is unemployed in SD?

If a parent is unemployed or underemployed without a good reason, the court can 'impute' income. This means they will calculate child support based on what the parent could be earning, considering their work history, skills, and local job opportunities.

How do I modify a child support order in SD?

You can request a modification if there has been a 'substantial and material change in circumstances.' In South Dakota, a new calculation that results in a 20% or greater change from the existing order is generally considered a substantial change.

Does SD child support cover college expenses?

No, a South Dakota court cannot order a parent to pay for a child's college or post-secondary education expenses. Child support obligations end at age 18 or 19 if the child is still in high school. Parents can agree to cover these costs in a separate, binding agreement.

How does SD handle health insurance and childcare costs?

The costs of work-related childcare and the child's portion of health insurance premiums are added to the basic child support obligation. These expenses are then divided between the parents based on their proportionate shares of their combined income.