South Dakota § 26-8A-18 - Appointment of counsel--Compensation--Assistance.
Full text of South Dakota South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-8A-18 — Appointment of counsel--Compensation--Assistance., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 26-8A-18. Appointment of counsel--Compensation--Assistance.
Notwithstanding the provisions of §§ 26-7A-31 and 26-8A-9, the court shall appoint an attorney for any child alleged to be abused or neglected in any judicial proceeding. The court shall appoint an attorney in the manner the county in which the action is being conducted has chosen to provide indigent counsel under § 23A-40-7. The attorney for the child shall represent the child's best interests and may not be the attorney for any other party involved in the judicial proceedings. The court may designate other persons, including a guardian ad litem or special advocate, who may or may not be attorneys licensed to practice law, to assist the attorney of the child in the performance of the attorney's duties. Compensation and expense allowances for the child's attorney shall be determined and paid according to § 26-7A-31.
Source: SL 1984, ch 192, § 9; SL 1991, ch 217, § 126B; SDCL § 26-10-17; SL 2010, ch 139, § 3.
Source: official South Dakota text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About South Dakota § 26-8A-18
What does South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-8A-18 cover?
Section 26-8A-18 ("Appointment of counsel--Compensation--Assistance.") 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 § 26-8A-18?
A common citation format is "South Dakota Codified Laws § 26-8A-18" (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 § 26-8A-18 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.