Alimony in South Dakota
State-specific overview · Family Law
South Dakota allows alimony but emphasizes short-term support; courts rarely award indefinite payments.
How South Dakota treats Alimony
South Dakota courts may award alimony only when one spouse lacks sufficient property or income to meet reasonable needs. The state favors rehabilitative alimony designed to help the recipient become self-supporting, typically lasting a few years rather than indefinitely. Permanent alimony is uncommon and reserved for cases involving long marriages, significant age differences, or disability. Courts consider factors including the length of marriage, each party's earning capacity, and contributions to the marriage.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in South Dakota.