South Dakota · Forms and fees · Updated Oct 2026

South Dakota divorce forms and filing fees

The paperwork side of a divorce in South Dakota: the court's free forms, its self-help pages, the filing fee, how to ask for a fee waiver, which court to file in and e-filing.

In short

What it costs to file in South Dakota: $97 total to file a divorce ($50 filing fee + $40 + $7 surcharges) per the UJS Schedule of Court Costs (FY2027). If you can't pay: Form UJS-022, Motion, Affidavit, and Order to Waive Filing Fee & Service of Process Fee.

Filing fee
$97
E-filing
Yes
Court
Circuit Court

Official divorce forms for South Dakota

Agreeing on everything? See Uncontested divorce in South Dakota.

Filing fee in South Dakota

$97 total to file a divorce ($50 filing fee + $40 + $7 surcharges) per the UJS Schedule of Court Costs (FY2027).

Fees change and many counties add charges, such as service or a parenting class. Ask the court clerk for the exact amount before you file.

If you can't afford the fee in South Dakota

Form UJS-022, Motion, Affidavit, and Order to Waive Filing Fee & Service of Process Fee.

Where and how to file

Court
Circuit Court
E-filing
Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through eFile SD and the Guide & File tool: https://ujs.sd.gov/self-help/electronic-filing-for-self-represented-litigants/

Filing your divorce papers in South Dakota, step by step

  1. Download the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (South Dakota courts)

  2. File with the right court

    File with the Circuit Court.

  3. Pay the filing fee

    $97 total to file a divorce ($50 filing fee + $40 + $7 surcharges) per the UJS Schedule of Court Costs (FY2027).

  4. Or ask for a fee waiver

    Form UJS-022, Motion, Affidavit, and Order to Waive Filing Fee & Service of Process Fee.

  5. File online or in person

    Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through eFile SD and the Guide & File tool: https://ujs.sd.gov/self-help/electronic-filing-for-self-represented-litigants/.

  6. Keep copies

    Make copies of everything you file and keep them together.

Questions about divorce forms and fees in South Dakota

How much does it cost to file for divorce in South Dakota?

$97 total to file a divorce ($50 filing fee + $40 + $7 surcharges) per the UJS Schedule of Court Costs (FY2027).

How do I get the divorce filing fee waived in South Dakota?

Form UJS-022, Motion, Affidavit, and Order to Waive Filing Fee & Service of Process Fee.

Where can I get official divorce forms for South Dakota?

The courts publish official divorce forms: Divorce forms (South Dakota courts). Their self-help pages explain the process: Divorce self-help (South Dakota courts).

Can I file divorce papers online in South Dakota?

Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through eFile SD and the Guide & File tool: https://ujs.sd.gov/self-help/electronic-filing-for-self-represented-litigants/

Which court handles divorce in South Dakota?

Circuit Court

More about divorce in South Dakota

Forms and fees in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.