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MINIMUM OVERNIGHTS
SOUTH DAKOTA
MINIMUM PARENTING GUIDELINES
September, 2002
(estimated number of overnights)
                                              South Dakota               
“Shared Parenting” (joint physical custody)
No Language in Custodial Statutes - Joint Legal Custody is the preferred custody, not joint physical custody
Weekends - Ages 3-5
One overnight on alternating weekends - Saturday Morning to Sunday evening
(26)
Weekends - Ages 6 and up
Alternate weekends from Friday @ 5:30 pm to Sunday at 7 p.m.
(52)
Weekdays - Ages 3-5
One mid-week visit

(0)
Weekdays - Ages 6 and up
1-2 midweek visits of 2-3 hours
  (0)
Holidays
Alternate                      (1)
Christmas
Split Equally                (4)
Child's Birthdays
Alternated                    (0)
Summer
One-Half                    (36)
Total Overnights / Year
3-5 (66 - 170)**                              6 +  (93)                                   
Percentage of Total Overnights per Year
3-5  18% - 47%**                         6 +   26%
** It is predicted that the majority of infant, toddler and preschool cases result in    the lower end of overnights for noncustodial parents unless both parents agree to more.

Summary:  According to the South Dakota Standard Guidelines, with a preference of Joint Legal custody not joint physical custody, Infants are allowed a maximum of 56 overnights (15%) with the noncustodial parent.  Toddlers can spend  108 - 156 (30% - 43%) overnights with the noncustodial parent.  Preschoolers can spend 66 - 170 (18% - 47%) with the noncustodial parent.  Meanwhile, children, ages 6 and up can spend 93 (26%) overnights with their noncustodial parent.  
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