South Dakota § 25-4-56 - Custody and visitation disputes--Mediation order--Exceptions--Investigation--Allocation of costs.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-4-56 — Custody and visitation disputes--Mediation order--Exceptions--Investigation--Allocation of costs., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-4-56. Custody and visitation disputes--Mediation order--Exceptions--Investigation--Allocation of costs.
In any custody or visitation dispute between parents, the court shall order mediation to assist the parties in formulating or modifying a plan, or in implementing a plan, for custody or visitation and shall allocate the cost of the mediation between the parties. However, mediation shall not be ordered if:
(1) One of the parents has been convicted of domestic abuse as defined in subdivision 25-10-1(1); or
(2) One of the parents has been convicted of assault against a person as defined in subdivision 25-10-1(2), except against any person related by consanguinity, but not living in the same household; or
(3) One of the parents has a history of domestic abuse; or
(4) Mediation is not readily available or the court determines that mediation is not appropriate based on the facts and circumstances of the case.
The court may also direct that an investigation be conducted to assist the court in making a custody or visitation determination and shall allocate the costs of such investigation between the parties. A history of domestic abuse may only be proven by greater convincing force of the evidence.
Source: SL 1989, ch 218; SDCL Supp, § 26-5A-31; SL 1994, ch 193; SL 2008, ch 123, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 25-4-56
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-4-56 cover?
Section 25-4-56 ("Custody and visitation disputes--Mediation order--Exceptions--Investigation--Allocation of costs.") 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 § 25-4-56?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-4-56" (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 § 25-4-56 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.