Divorce Representation in Sioux Falls
Divorce
Divorce is a major life-changer for both spouses and their children. Whether the divorce is mutual (uncontested) or contested, we know you want to make the best decision possible and are here to help. Our firm has concentrated efforts in all aspects of this field, giving us deeper insight into its intricacies.
Our goal as your divorce lawyer is to ensure that you fully understand how it works, what to expect, how best to proceed and what the future effects on you and your children may be. We foster close relationships with our clients because we are always available to provide compassionate support.
Divorce in South Dakota
South Dakota offers “no-fault” divorce which means that, if both parties agree to the divorce, it is not necessary to prove marital fault or misconduct. No-fault divorce is based on the concept of irreconcilable differences, which means the spouses agree that the marriage is irreparably damaged and nothing can be done to restore it.
South Dakota also provides “fault” grounds for divorce should that be appropriate. In these cases, sufficient evidence must be provided to the court to prove the allegations. These grounds include:
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Adultery
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Willful desertion (abandonment)
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Habitual intemperance (alcohol abuse)
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A felony conviction
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Extreme cruelty (grievous physical injury or mental suffering)
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Willful neglect
Divorce issues that must be resolved include child support, child custody and visitation, spousal support, and the equitable division of marital property and debts. If the parties cannot agree on these issues by themselves or through negotiation or mediation, the court will make the decisions for them.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Is there a residency requirement?Many states have a length of residency requirement for couples who want to file for divorce. However, while South Dakota does have a residency requirement, there is no particular length of residency required to file for divorce in the state. Instead, the spouse must simply be a resident in good standing. Furthermore, the spouse must remain a state resident in good standing until the divorce is finalized.
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Is there a waiting period?The waiting period for a divorce in South Dakota is 60 days between filing for divorce and when the divorce can be finalized.
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Is there legal separation in South Dakota?South Dakota allows for legal separation. This allows for a couple to settle disputed matters such as child custody and support, live separately, and remain legally married. In essence, a couple can live as if they’re divorced, but they will still receive the same benefits that a legal marriage provides.
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Are there annulments in South Dakota?While divorce legally ends a marriage, annulment says the marriage never existed. There are limited cases when South Dakota will allow for annulment.
Our Services
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Is there a residency requirement?Many states have a length of residency requirement for couples who want to file for divorce. However, while South Dakota does have a residency requirement, there is no particular length of residency required to file for divorce in the state. Instead, the spouse must simply be a resident in good standing. Furthermore, the spouse must remain a state resident in good standing until the divorce is finalized.
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Is there a waiting period?The waiting period for a divorce in South Dakota is 60 days between filing for divorce and when the divorce can be finalized.
-
Is there legal separation in South Dakota?South Dakota allows for legal separation. This allows for a couple to settle disputed matters such as child custody and support, live separately, and remain legally married. In essence, a couple can live as if they’re divorced, but they will still receive the same benefits that a legal marriage provides.
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Are there annulments in South Dakota?While divorce legally ends a marriage, annulment says the marriage never existed. There are limited cases when South Dakota will allow for annulment.
Meet Your Lawyers
Kelsey Ver Beek
Founding Attorney & Owner
Kelsey Ver Beek is the founding attorney of Ver Beek Law, a South Dakota law practice.
Kelsey grew up in a small Iowa town with her three siblings. Before pursuing law, she earned her Bachelor’s degree from Morningside College in Sioux City, IA, graduating in three years, with honors.
She enrolled in The University of South Dakota School of Law and graduated with the class of 2015. Due to her personal experience with, and passion for, family law litigation, Kelsey decided to focus her career on family law. She is licensed in the state of South Dakota as a practicing family law attorney, and strives to provide a professional, yet empathetic approach to each of her clients. She attentively focuses on the needs of every client, with experience in cases involving divorce, adoption, alimony, child custody, and other family law matters.
When Kelsey is not working she enjoys spending time with her family. Her four children and life on the farm keep her busy.
Get in Touch :
605-988-8556
Kathryn Morrison
Attorney
Kathryn Morrison represents men and women in all facets of family law litigation. She has successfully litigated in the areas of child support, divorce, custody, parenting time and adoption, aiding individuals in the state of South Dakota during their most vulnerable times. She also has years of courtroom experience and has appeared before the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Kathryn looks for practical solutions for clients facing litigation. She believes in a proactive and honest approach when dealing with family law issues so that clients are placed in the best possible position and fully informed regarding their matters.
Kathryn Morrison graduated from Augustana College in 2008, Magna Cum Laude. She attended the University of Nebraska School of Law and graduated with honors in 2011. Kathryn is a member of the Nebraska Bar Association and South Dakota Bar Association.
In her free time, Kathryn enjoys cheering on her Nebraska Huskers and spending time with her husband.
Get in Touch :
605-988-8556
Megan Busch
Attorney
Megan Busch is a licensed attorney in the State of South Dakota.
Megan is originally from Arlington, NE, where she grew up with her two siblings. Before beginning law school Megan attended Midland University in Fremont, NE, where she graduated in three years as a double major student-athlete.
Following college, Megan began law school and graduated from the University of South Dakota School of Law with the Class of 2016. While in law school, Megan was an active participant in the Student Bar Association and Women-in-Law. Prior to joining Ver Beek Law, Megan was a Law Clerk for the Third Judicial District in the State of Iowa from 2016-2019
Outside of work, Megan enjoys watching movies, reading, and spending time with her family and husband, Troy.
Get in Touch :
605-988-8556
Consultation
Call (605) 988-8556 for a Consultation
Call our divorce lawyers and get started on your divorce case today. During a consultation, you will sit down with one of our Sioux Falls lawyers and we will help you figure out your next best steps for moving forward. Call (605) 988-8556 today to get started on your case.
What Clients are Saying
Kayleigh F.
Kelsey was such a blessing to be introduced to. She was fast efficient and to the point in helping me finalize my divorce. All in all, everything worked out as we expected it to and I have never had such courteous secretarial service in the law office before. Crystal was very polite and got my messages to Kelsey quickly. Overall the both of them make a wonderful team and were very understanding and nonjudgmental ladies that I would recommend to anyone.
Mike B.
This was one of the most painful periods in my life (if not THE most). I could not believe that I was standing in an attorney's office discussing a divorce. However, that is when I met Kathryn Morrison. She guided me through the "fog" and reassured me that we would "get through this together." She was always professional, knowledgeable, reassuring, timely and a true partner through this very difficult process. Let's face it, divorce proceedings are not "fun", but they are necessary. I would definitely recommend Kathryn.
Jennifer J.
Efficient, competent, and empathetic are words I would use to describe Megan Busch. She did an incredible job for me and I definitely recommend her if you are in need of a family or divorce lawyer. She's tenacious too, she won't give up on getting you what you want.
Cameron R.
I would recommend Ver Beek Law to anyone looking for an attorney that cares. Not only that but one that is always looking out for your best interests. Kelsey has always handled my case in a very professional manner and communicates what is going on with my case in a prompt and timely manner.