Recently updated on December 2nd, 2024 at 09:17 pm
Prepare your Court Forms Online for Protection Orders in South Dakota
This website helps victims learn about the types and then create official court forms required for getting a protection order in South Dakota.
HOW IT WORKS
1. Take Screening
Start with an online screening tool to help you decide which restraining order fits your situation the best.
2. Prepare Documents
Instead of looking at the legal forms themselves, you will be guided thorough a series of detailed questionnaires. These will gather the necessary information topic by topic. The questions are in plain and non-legal language. To make this process as simple as possible, our system will then generate the official court forms with your responses printed on them.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
You can consult a victim advocate or pro bono (free) lawyer to get guidance on restraining orders. These resources are paid for typically by government and can help you review your case documents, and talk to you directly to discuss your case and safety planning.
4. File with the Clerk
You can formally begin the case by filing with your local court. You will be informed about which specific court you need to file at as its important to go to one that has jurisdiction over your case. You can file by either printing and visiting the clerk's office at the court or in many locations online directly from this website.
TYPES OF PROTECTION ORDERS
Domestic Violence Protection Order
This order aims to protect individuals from domestic violence, including physical abuse, threats, harassment, and stalking, by family or household members. (See SDCL § 25-10-3)
Stalking Protection Order
Specifically addresses cases of stalking behavior, providing protection against unwanted and repeated surveillance, harassment, or contact. (See SDCL § 22-19A-2)
Protection of Vulnerable Adults
(SDCL §§ 21-65-1(4), (13); 22-46-1(4) – (7)) defines the protection of vulnerable adults. To file for an order, you must have experienced any of the following acts committed by a caretaker, family or household member, or a person who is in a “confidential relationship” with you:
- emotional and psychological abuse
- financial exploitation
- neglect
- physical abuse
CONVENIENCES
Privacy
You can explore legal options for getting a protection order while maintaining your complete privacy. Nothing is shared with the government unless you share or submit.
Resources
Learn about free community and pro bono resources. Connect with them and share your case data with a few clicks.
Comprehensive
Covers all common situations such as those involving minors, or firearms, or others permitted by the Washington State law, thereby saving you time.
Forms Selection
Correct form, and the most updated versions are automatically selected based on your situation.
Automated Checks
Run automated checks to verify correctness of your responses and to avoid mistakes that may cause delays in securing a protection order.
Simplified
All questions are presented in plain non-legal language. Difficult concepts are broken down into simpler steps.
NOTES
Legal Information
The legal information contained here does not constitute legal advice or substitute for legal advice.
Courts
This website provides services to prepare cases across New Hampshire i.e. across all counties as they share the same state-wide law. It also has county specific slight changes such as additional court forms required.
CONTACT TECHNICAL SUPPORT
This contact form is for technical support questions only. For non-technical questions please contact the victim advocates at the telephone numbers listed at the bottom of this page.
