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S.D. Codified Laws § 26-18-4

Actions for abduction prevention measures

Known as the Uniform Child Abduction Prevention Act

The act spans §§ 26–26 (12 sections).

Applied in 1 court decision — leading case Jessop v. Combs (2025)

Most recently applied in Jessop v. Combs (December 2025)

Source: SL 2007, ch 169, § 4.

(a) A court on its own motion may order abduction prevention measures in a child-custody proceeding if the court finds that the evidence establishes a credible risk of abduction of the child.

(b) A party to a child-custody determination or another individual or entity having a right under the law of this state or any other state to seek a child-custody determination for the child may file a petition seeking abduction prevention measures to protect the child under this chapter.

(c) A prosecutor or public authority designated under § 26-5B-315 may seek a warrant to take physical custody of a child under § 26-18-9 or other appropriate prevention measures.

Official source: South Dakota Legislature. Reproduced from public-domain South Dakota statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.