{"data":{"id":"us-sd/sdcl-25-4a-23","jurisdiction":"us-sd","citation":"SDCL § 25-4A-23","heading":"Home study or custody evaluation--Mediation.","body":"Prior to ruling on a joint physical custody petition the court may require the parties to participate in a home study or a custody evaluation. Prior to the court ruling on a joint physical custody petition, either parent may request mediation pursuant to § 25-4-56.\nIn any case where the court orders the parties to participate in a home study, custody evaluation, or custody mediation, the court shall allocate the costs of the same between the parties.","path":["TITLE 25. DOMESTIC RELATIONS","CHAPTER 25-4A. CUSTODY AND VISITATION RIGHTS"],"source_url":"https://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/25-4A-23","current_through":"2026-08-31","vintage":"","retrieved_at":"2026-09-03T15:18:56Z","sha256":"6ccb41e949b3c024a9231d88192dc83d2d165b9d39d06ef676a492cbaec54de0","source_id":"us-sd","stale":true,"prev":"us-sd/sdcl-25-4a-22","next":"us-sd/sdcl-25-4a-24"},"notice":"GroundRules: Original legal text. Not legal advice."}