South Dakota § 25-4B-306 - Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-4B-306 — Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-4B-306. Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.
(a) On motion of a deploying parent and in accordance with law of this state other than this chapter, if it is in the best interest of the child, a court may grant caretaking authority to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child or an adult with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship.
(b) Unless a grant of caretaking authority to a nonparent under subsection (a) is agreed to by the other parent, the grant is limited to an amount of time not greater than:
(1) The amount of time granted to the deploying parent under a permanent custody order, but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child; or
(2) In the absence of a permanent custody order that is currently in effect, the amount of time that the deploying parent habitually cared for the child before being notified of deployment, but the court may add unusual travel time necessary to transport the child.
(c) A court may grant part of a deploying parent's decision-making authority, if the deploying parent is unable to exercise that authority, to a nonparent who is an adult family member of the child or an adult with whom the child has a close and substantial relationship. If a court grants the authority to a nonparent, the court shall specify the decision-making powers granted, including decisions regarding the child's education, religious training, health care, extracurricular activities, and travel.
Source: SL 2014, ch 123, § 18.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 25-4B-306
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-4B-306 cover?
Section 25-4B-306 ("Grant of caretaking or decision-making authority to nonparent.") 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 § 25-4B-306?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-4B-306" (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 § 25-4B-306 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.