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
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.