Alimony · South Dakota · Factors only
Alimony in South Dakota
When a South Dakota divorce is granted, the court may order one spouse to pay the other a suitable support allowance for life or a shorter period, as it finds just given the parties’ circumstances. The statute sets no formula, cap or factor list, and the court may modify the order later.[1]
Key facts: alimony in South Dakota
| How the law sets it | Factors only[1] |
|---|---|
| Key rule | No formula, cap or time limit[1] |
| Law last checked | October 26, 2026 |
How it's decided
No formula, cap or time limit[1]
South Dakota law sets no formula, cap or time limit for alimony, so there's nothing to calculate: the court weighs the factors below.
From the official text
What South Dakota law says about alimony
Plain-English summaries of South Dakota’s statute and court rules as of the date shown on each, with the quoted text. Not legal advice: laws change and courts apply them case by case.
The statute
SDCL 25-4-41
The main alimony statute.[1]
SDCL 25-4-41 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“Where a divorce is granted, the court may compel one party to make such suitable allowance to the other party for support during the life of that other party or for a shorter period, as the court may deem just, having regard to the circumstances of the parties represented; and the court may from time to time modify its orders in these respects.”
Changing an order
Court may modify from time to time
The court keeps power to modify a support allowance order over time.[1]
SDCL 25-4-41 · checked October 26, 2026
Show statute text
“and the court may from time to time modify its orders in these respects.”
Divorce in South Dakota: waiting period, residency and property rules →
Questions about alimony in South Dakota
Is there an alimony calculator for South Dakota?
No. South Dakota law doesn't set alimony by formula: when a South Dakota divorce is granted, the court may order one spouse to pay the other a suitable support allowance for life or a shorter period, as it finds just given the parties’ circumstances. The statute sets no formula, cap or factor list, and the court may modify the order later. — SDCL 25-4-41[1]
States with an alimony formula
Not legal advice. MediationList is a directory of court-listed mediators, not a law firm, and doesn’t endorse any mediator. Summaries follow the official text as of the date checked; courts apply it case by case.
Sources
South Dakota’s statute and court rules, read on the official site, with the date we checked each.