Rapid City Divorce and Family Law Attorney
Experienced Black Hills divorce attorneys
Residents of western South Dakota who want a divorce need to look no further than Anker Law Group, P.C. of Rapid City. We are experienced, hands-on family law attorneys. We have provided legal counsel for hundreds of families in transition. We’re prepared to answer all your questions regarding property division, child custody and support, and adoptions.
Property division in South Dakota
South Dakota is an “equitable distribution” state. If you and your spouse cannot agree on how to divide the property you acquired during your marriage, the court will make decisions for you. You may not necessarily split everything down the middle. For instance, one of you may be asked to give up your claim to the marital home in exchange for retirement benefits. When you seek a Rapid City divorce attorney, lawyers at Anker Law Group, P.C., can help you fight for your fair share.
Child custody and child support
South Dakota courts grant child custody to the parent they believe will act in the best interests of the child. If you and your spouse develop a parenting plan outside of court, it must be approved by court order in order to make custody legal. If you can’t agree, the court will decide who will be awarded custody. Fathers have an equal chance at gaining custody of their children – South Dakota does not take gender into account.
If you cannot come to an agreement regarding child support, the court will step in and decide for you. Once again, the child’s welfare comes first. The state has a child support obligation schedule it uses to determine if one or both parents will be ordered to provide support. The court may also factor in the financial condition of each parent, income tax and other support obligations in its decision.
Adoptions and guardianships
If you are a stepparent who wants to adopt your spouse’s child, or a person seeking a guardianship, Anker Law Group, P.C. has experience in the process. We know South Dakota’s adoption and guardianship laws and can weave you through the technicalities.
Anker Law Group, P.C. Rock-solid representation.
