South Dakota § 26-7A-31 - Court appointed attorney--Compensation.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-7A-31 — Court appointed attorney--Compensation., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-7A-31. Court appointed attorney--Compensation.
If the child or the child's parents, guardian, or other custodian requests an attorney in proceedings under this chapter or chapter 26-8A, 26-8B, or 26-8C and if the court finds the party to be without sufficient financial means to employ an attorney, the court shall appoint an attorney for the party. The court may appoint an attorney for any child or any party to the proceedings without request of the party if the court deems representation by an attorney necessary to protect the interests of the party. Reasonable and just compensation for services of a court-appointed attorney and for necessary expenses and costs incident to the proceedings shall be determined by the court within guidelines established by the presiding judge of the circuit court and shall be paid by the county in which the action is being conducted according to the manner prescribed by the court. If the court-appointed attorney is a party to a contract with the county to provide indigent counsel pursuant to subdivision 23A-40-7(3), the compensation for that attorney shall be that which the attorney would receive under the contract. This section does not preclude the court from appointment of an attorney for a child as required by provisions of chapter 26-8A.
Source: SDC 1939, § 43.0309 as added by SL 1968, ch 164, § 7; SL 1991, ch 217, § 38B; SDCL § 26-8-22.2; SL 2010, ch 139, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 26-7A-31
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-7A-31 cover?
Section 26-7A-31 ("Court appointed attorney--Compensation.") is part of the South Dakota Codified Laws, the codified statutory law of South Dakota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite South Dakota § 26-7A-31?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-7A-31" (South Dakota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of South Dakota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the South Dakota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed South Dakota attorney.
How does South Dakota § 26-7A-31 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in South Dakota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.