South Dakota § 25-6-10 - Petition--Time of hearing--Investigation ordered--Report.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-6-10 — Petition--Time of hearing--Investigation ordered--Report., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-6-10. Petition--Time of hearing--Investigation ordered--Report.
Whenever a person, or a husband and wife jointly, petition the circuit court for leave to adopt a minor child, the judge of the circuit court must fix a time for hearing not less than ten days from the filing of the petition. A petitioner may file the petition with the circuit court before the six-month period required by § 25-6-9 has passed. The circuit court may, in the case of a stepparent adopting a stepchild, and shall in all other cases, direct an agent of the Department of Social Services or another competent person to make a careful and thorough investigation of the matter and report the findings in writing to the court. The investigative report must include the history of any previous child support obligations of each prospective adoptive parent.
Source: SDC 1939, § 14.0406; SL 1945, ch 47, § 1; SL 1947, ch 54; SL 1979, ch 167, § 1; SL 1990, ch 186; SL 2000, ch 117, § 1; SL 2024, ch 97, § 1.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 25-6-10
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-6-10 cover?
Section 25-6-10 ("Petition--Time of hearing--Investigation ordered--Report.") 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 § 25-6-10?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 25-6-10" (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 § 25-6-10 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.