South Dakota Child Support Calculator

South Dakota uses the income shares model under SDCL § 25-7-6.2, combining both parents' monthly net incomes to determine a base obligation from the statutory schedule. Each parent pays their proportional share based on their percentage of combined income. For example, a parent earning 60% of the combined income pays 60% of the obligation. The schedule covers combined monthly net incomes up to $30,000.

South Dakota child support calculations use each parent's gross income minus specific deductions including federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, retirement contributions up to 10% of gross income, health insurance premiums for the child, and existing support orders. Under SDCL § 25-7-6.4, courts presume each parent can work at least 1,820 hours per year at minimum wage. Overtime, commissions, and bonuses are excluded unless received regularly.

Under SDCL § 25-7-6.27, South Dakota provides a shared parenting credit when each parent has at least 180 overnights per year, reducing the higher-earning parent's obligation. In split custody arrangements where each parent has primary custody of at least one child, a separate cross-credit calculation applies. The noncustodial parent's proportionate share establishes the payment amount in standard custody arrangements.

Under SDCL § 25-7A-22, child support orders filed within three years of the original order require proof of a substantial change in circumstances to modify. Orders filed more than three years after the original date can be modified without showing any change in circumstance. Common qualifying changes include job loss, significant income change, or changes in custody arrangements. Either parent may petition the court for modification.

South Dakota's base child support obligation covers housing, food, clothing, and basic necessities. Medical support under SDCL § 25-7-6.16 is apportioned between parents based on income, with the custodial parent covering the first $250 per year in unreimbursed medical costs. Childcare expenses are allocated separately under SDCL § 25-7-6.18. Travel costs between parents may be allocated by the court under SDCL § 25-7-6.15.

South Dakota's obligation schedule covers combined monthly net incomes up to $30,000. Under SDCL § 25-7-6.9, when combined income exceeds the schedule maximum, courts set child support at an appropriate level considering the child's needs and standard of living. The guidelines include a self-support reserve of $871 per month to protect low-income obligors. Courts presume financial hardship if the obligation exceeds 50% of the noncustodial parent's net income.

Under SDCL § 25-5-18.1, South Dakota child support continues until the child turns 18, or until age 19 if the child is still a full-time high school student, whichever comes first. Support may extend beyond age 19 for a child with a physical or mental disability. Obligations end early if the child marries, enlists in the military, or becomes legally emancipated. Unpaid arrears remain enforceable after the child ages out.

South Dakota enforces child support through automatic income withholding from the noncustodial parent's paycheck, which is included in all court orders by default. Additional enforcement measures include bank levies, credit bureau reporting for arrears over $1,000, driver's license and professional license restrictions, and tax refund intercepts. The Division of Child Support may also charge interest on past-due payments and pursue contempt of court proceedings.