South Dakota § 26-18-2 - Definitions.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-18-2 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-18-2. Definitions.
In this chapter:
(1) "Abduction" means the wrongful removal or wrongful retention of a child.
(2) "Child" means an unemancipated individual who is less than 18 years of age.
(3) "Child-custody determination" means a judgment, decree, or other order of a court providing for the legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child. The term includes a permanent, temporary, initial, and modification order.
(4) "Child-custody proceeding" means a proceeding in which legal custody, physical custody, or visitation with respect to a child is at issue. The term includes a proceeding for divorce, dissolution of marriage, separation, neglect, abuse, dependency, guardianship, paternity, termination of parental rights, or protection from domestic violence.
(5) "Court" means an entity authorized under the law of a state to establish, enforce, or modify a child-custody determination.
(6) "Petition" includes a motion or its equivalent.
(7) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(8) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe or nation.
(9) "Travel document" means records relating to a travel itinerary, including travel tickets, passes, reservations for transportation, or accommodations. The term does not include a passport or visa.
(10) "Wrongful removal" means the taking of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the law of this state.
(11) "Wrongful retention" means the keeping or concealing of a child that breaches rights of custody or visitation given or recognized under the law of this state.
Source: SL 2007, ch 169, § 2.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 26-18-2
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-18-2 cover?
Section 26-18-2 ("Definitions.") 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 § 26-18-2?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-18-2" (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 § 26-18-2 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.