How to become a mediator in South Dakota
Who certifies or lists mediators in South Dakota?
Each judicial circuit approves mediators: applicants submit the Mediator Application Form to the circuit administrator in their circuit and commit to the Uniform Mediation Act as promulgated by the South Dakota Supreme Court.
This is general information, not legal advice. It covers South Dakota only. Rules change, so check the official source before you enroll in a course.
What training and continuing education does South Dakota require?
These are the court mediator credentials and rosters we could confirm from South Dakota’s official sources. Where a detail isn’t confirmed, we say so instead of guessing.
| Credential or roster | Initial training | Continuing education |
|---|---|---|
| Court-appointed family court mediator (SDCL 25-4-58.1; approved per circuit) Presiding judge of each judicial circuit (application via circuit administrator), under Supreme Court rule | 40 (or, with court approval, 5 years custody/visitation mediation experience with 20+ mediations) | Not specified ("committed to and participate in continuing education courses") (not specified) |
Other requirements
- Court-appointed family court mediator (SDCL 25-4-58.1; approved per circuit): Consult with an approved mediator for at least 3 mediation sessions; Exhibit A application to presiding judge of each circuit
Do I need a state credential to mediate in South Dakota?
State credentials and court rosters mainly matter for court-ordered or court-connected cases, where a court may require a mediator from its own list. If you plan to mediate cases that people bring to you privately, check whether South Dakota or your profession has any rule that applies. See do I need a mediator certified in my state?
Official sources
- UJS Approved Mediators (by circuit)
- SDCL 25-4-56, Custody and visitation disputes: mediation order
- sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-4-58.1
- sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-4-58
Checked Oct 8, 2026. Found an error or a newer rule? Email hello@mediationlist.com.
See the 110 mediators on South Dakota’s official rosters →
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