CHAPTER 140

(HB 1186)

Standard visitation guidelines may be implemented.


         ENTITLED, An Act to  provide a procedure for implementing the standard visitation guidelines.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA:

     Section  1.  That chapter 25-4A be amended by adding thereto a NEW SECTION to read as follows:

     Any parent subject to a court order relating to visitation, custody, or child support may request the court to enter an order implementing the standard visitation guidelines. The request shall be in writing, but no particular formality is required by the moving party. Upon receipt of the written request, the court shall serve a copy of the standard guidelines upon both parties by first class mail. If either party objects to the imposition of the standard guidelines within ten days of service, the court shall conduct an expedited hearing as soon as practical. Based upon the evidence presented at the hearing, the court may order the parties to abide by the standard visitation guidelines or may order any other relief as it deems appropriate.

     Signed February 22, 2006
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