South Dakota requires both parents to complete a court-accepted parenting education class in cases involving child custody or parenting time under S.D. Codified Laws § 25-4A-32. The class must be completed within 60 days of service of the summons and complaint, petition, or motion. A final decree cannot be entered until both parties submit their certificates of completion.
Our online class covers all required topics including the effects of separation on children, co-parenting skills and responsibilities, children's needs and coping techniques, conflict resolution options for parenting disputes, and the financial responsibilities of parents. The class is accepted by South Dakota courts statewide and can be completed entirely online at your own pace.
Both parents must complete the requirement separately, and each receives an instant certificate upon completion with QR code verification. The class applies to all custody and parenting time cases, including divorce, legal separation, and paternity actions.
South Dakota's parenting education requirement became effective September 1, 2022, under Supreme Court Rule 22-09. The State Court Administrator's Office certifies accepted courses, and only court-accepted providers are accepted by South Dakota courts.
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