Family Law

Nobody wants to hire a family law attorney. But if you need one, Diana can help you to choose your best options. Family law representation can include help with divorce, child custody and parenting time, child support, and spousal support. Because having a judge decide your future should always be the last resort, she will help you to resolve your conflicts and issues out of court whenever possible.

Child Support:

Child support: how is child support determined?

South Dakota has a specific table for determining the non-custodial parent’s child support.  You can find it here: https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-7-6.2.  You may also be liable for the child(ren)’s health insurance and/or some portion of medical expenses.  These obligations are to your child, not your ex-spouse.  They are enforceable by the court, and failure to comply can result in incarceration.  If you are chronically late on payments, you are subject to a late fee.

My circustances have changed.  Can I change my amount of child support?  Yes.  The court may modify support of a child.

Is it still possible to see my child if I fall behind in my child support?  Yes, it is, if the court so ordered.

My child’s father has failed to pay his child support.  Do I have any rights to get it?  Yes, you do.  Note that this money is for the child, not for you!  If the payment was ordered, failure to pay on time is considered a judgment and includes enforceability.  You are most unlikely to succeed here without an attorney.

It is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney if you wish to make changes to your court-mandated child support.

Where does the Firm serve families? We work in Bennett County, Haakon County, Jackson County, Jones County, Hughes County, Mellette County, and Stanley County.  Service may be available in other areas of South Central South Dakota.