South Dakota Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
South Dakota's $95 Circuit Court filing fee is one of the lowest in the United States.
Court Filing Fee
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Complaint for Divorce | $95 |
| Certified copies of Decree | $1–$3 per page |
Service Costs
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Sheriff's service | $25–$50 |
| Process server | $50–$100 |
Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship
South Dakota waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Affidavit of Indigency (Circuit Court form)
- File with the Complaint
- Judge approves; fee waived
Forms: ujs.sd.gov/self_help/family.aspx
East River Legal Services: eastriverlegalservices.org — free civil legal help. Dakota Plains Legal Services: dakotaplains.org — serving western South Dakota. South Dakota Legal Services: sdls.org — rural and tribal communities.
Register of Deeds — Deed Recording
After divorce, real estate deed changes are recorded at the South Dakota Register of Deeds in the county where the property is located.
Fee: approximately $10–$30 per document (varies by county). Recording fee for a Quitclaim Deed: typically $10 for the first page + $2 per additional page.
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Separation Agreement (attorney) | $400–$2,000 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $300–$600 |
| Register of Deeds deed recording | ~$10–$30 |
| Business valuation | $2,500–$10,000 |
| Mediator | $100–$300/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $100–$250 |
| Agreed, with children | $150–$400 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $400–$2,500 |
| Contested divorce | $5,000–$40,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $95 filing fee — one of the lowest in the US | Fee waiver available (Affidavit of Indigency) | SD Register of Deeds — county level | eastriverlegalservices.org | dakotaplains.org | sdls.org | ujs.sd.gov/self_help/family.aspx
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.