General Civil Case Cover Sheet

GENERAL CIVIL CASE COVER SHEET

State of South Dakota — Circuit Courts

(Civil Case Filing Statement per SDCL 15-6-5(h))

FILING REQUIREMENT NOTICE: Pursuant to SDCL 15-6-5(h), whenever a party or an attorney representing a party commences a civil action, files a notice of appearance, or files an answer or first responsive pleading in a civil action, the party or attorney shall file a completed civil case filing statement containing identifying information regarding all parties, including the adverse party, with the clerk of the court. A statement must also be filed whenever a new party is added to the action. The official form is available from the clerk or online at the South Dakota Unified Judicial System website (ujs.sd.gov). Electronic filing is mandatory in counties participating in the UJS eCourts system; paper filing is available in other counties.

I. COURT AND CASE CAPTION

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA

IN CIRCUIT COURT

CASE CAPTION

STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA                )    IN CIRCUIT COURT
                                     )
[________________________________]   )    [________] JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
     Plaintiff(s),                   )
                                     )    [________] COUNTY
v.                                   )
                                     )    Case No.: _______________
[________________________________]   )
     Defendant(s).                   )

Document Title: CIVIL CASE FILING STATEMENT

II. FILER IDENTITY AND CAPACITY

☐ Attorney for Plaintiff(s)
☐ Attorney for Defendant(s) (filing answer or responsive pleading)
☐ Self-Represented Plaintiff
☐ Self-Represented Defendant
☐ Attorney filing Notice of Appearance
☐ Other (Describe): [________________________________]

III. PARTY INFORMATION

A. Plaintiff(s)

B. Defendant(s)

(Attach additional pages if more parties need to be listed)

Note per SDCL 15-6-5(h): The filing statement must contain identifying information available to the filing party or attorney regarding ALL parties, including the adverse party.

IV. ATTORNEY INFORMATION

A. Filing Attorney

B. Opposing Attorney (if known)

Self-Represented Litigants: Enter "Pro Se" in the Attorney Name field and provide your own contact information.

V. CASE TYPE CODES — SELECT ONE PRIMARY NATURE-OF-ACTION CODE

(Select the one case type (nature-of-action) code that best describes the primary claim. The list of valid case type codes is published by the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.)

A. TORT / PERSONAL INJURY

☐ PI-01 — Motor Vehicle Accident
☐ PI-02 — Premises Liability / Slip and Fall
☐ PI-03 — Products Liability
☐ PI-04 — Medical Malpractice (SDCL 21-3-11 et seq.)
☐ PI-05 — Legal Malpractice
☐ PI-06 — Wrongful Death (SDCL 21-5-1 et seq.)
☐ PI-07 — Assault / Battery
☐ PI-08 — Defamation / Libel / Slander
☐ PI-09 — Property Damage Only
☐ PI-10 — Other Personal Injury / Tort (Describe): [________________________________]

B. CONTRACT / COMMERCIAL

☐ CK-01 — Breach of Contract (Written)
☐ CK-02 — Breach of Contract (Oral)
☐ CK-03 — Debt Collection / Promissory Note
☐ CK-04 — Insurance Coverage / Bad Faith
☐ CK-05 — U.C.C. / Commercial Transaction (SDCL Title 57A)
☐ CK-06 — Consumer Protection / Deceptive Trade Practices (SDCL 37-24)
☐ CK-07 — Construction Contract Dispute
☐ CK-08 — Other Contract (Describe): [________________________________]

C. REAL PROPERTY

☐ RP-01 — Foreclosure (Judicial — SDCL 21-47)
☐ RP-02 — Quiet Title (SDCL 21-41)
☐ RP-03 — Ejectment (SDCL 21-31)
☐ RP-04 — Boundary Dispute / Easement
☐ RP-05 — Landlord-Tenant / Eviction (SDCL 21-16)
☐ RP-06 — Condemnation / Eminent Domain (SDCL 21-35)
☐ RP-07 — Mechanic's Lien (SDCL 44-9)
☐ RP-08 — Partition (SDCL 21-45)
☐ RP-09 — Adverse Possession
☐ RP-10 — Other Real Property (Describe): [________________________________]

D. DOMESTIC RELATIONS

☐ DR-01 — Divorce / Dissolution of Marriage (SDCL 25-4)
☐ DR-02 — Child Custody / Visitation (SDCL 25-4A)
☐ DR-03 — Child Support (SDCL 25-7)
☐ DR-04 — Spousal Support / Alimony
☐ DR-05 — Domestic Abuse Protection Order (SDCL 25-10)
☐ DR-06 — Paternity (SDCL 25-8)
☐ DR-07 — Adoption (SDCL 25-6)
☐ DR-08 — Other Domestic Relations (Describe): [________________________________]

E. PROBATE / ESTATE

☐ PR-01 — Formal Probate of Will (SDCL 29A-3)
☐ PR-02 — Informal Probate (SDCL 29A-3)
☐ PR-03 — Administration of Estate
☐ PR-04 — Guardianship / Conservatorship (SDCL 29A-5)
☐ PR-05 — Trust Matters (SDCL 55)
☐ PR-06 — Other Probate / Estate (Describe): [________________________________]

F. CIVIL RIGHTS / EMPLOYMENT

☐ CR-01 — Employment Discrimination (SDCL 20-13)
☐ CR-02 — Wrongful Termination
☐ CR-03 — Wage and Hour (SDCL 60-11)
☐ CR-04 — Workers' Compensation Appeal (SDCL 62)
☐ CR-05 — 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (filed in state court)
☐ CR-06 — Other Civil Rights / Employment (Describe): [________________________________]

G. OTHER CIVIL

☐ OC-01 — Declaratory Judgment (SDCL 21-24)
☐ OC-02 — Injunction / Temporary Restraining Order (SDCL 21-8)
☐ OC-03 — Administrative Appeal (SDCL 1-26)
☐ OC-04 — Mandamus (SDCL 21-29)
☐ OC-05 — Habeas Corpus (SDCL 21-27)
☐ OC-06 — Foreign Judgment Domestication (SDCL 15-16A)
☐ OC-07 — Class Action (SDCL 15-6-23)
☐ OC-08 — Small Claims Appeal (SDCL 15-39)
☐ OC-09 — Replevin (SDCL 21-14)
☐ OC-10 — Miscellaneous Civil (Describe): [________________________________]

VI. MANNER OF FILING

☐ Initial Complaint / Petition (Commencement of Action — SDCL 15-6-3)
☐ Answer / First Responsive Pleading
☐ Counterclaim
☐ Cross-Claim
☐ Third-Party Complaint (SDCL 15-6-14)
☐ Notice of Appearance
☐ Amended Complaint
☐ Other (Describe): [________________________________]

VII. AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY

☐ Under $2,000
☐ $2,001 – $12,000
☐ $12,001 – $25,000
☐ $25,001 – $75,000
☐ Over $75,000
☐ Non-monetary relief only
☐ Amount not determinable at this time

Exact amount claimed (if liquidated): $ [________________________________]

Jurisdictional Note: South Dakota Circuit Courts have general jurisdiction over civil matters. Small claims courts handle disputes up to $12,000 (SDCL 15-39-45.1). Magistrate courts have limited civil jurisdiction.

VIII. JURY DEMAND

☐ Jury trial demanded pursuant to SDCL 15-6-38
☐ Jury trial NOT demanded at this time

Practice Note: Under SDCL 15-6-38(b), a jury demand must be served upon the other parties no later than 10 days after service of the last pleading directed to the issue for which a jury trial is sought. Failure to make a timely demand constitutes a waiver of jury trial under SDCL 15-6-38(d).

IX. CASE TRACK DESIGNATION

(If the presiding circuit court has adopted case tracks per local rule)

☐ Expedited Track
☐ Standard Track
☐ Complex Track
☐ Not applicable / No local track designation

X. SERVICE OF PROCESS INFORMATION

A. Method of Service Requested

☐ Personal Service by Sheriff or Process Server (SDCL 15-6-4(d))
☐ Certified or Registered Mail (SDCL 15-6-4(d)(3))
☐ Service by Publication (SDCL 15-6-4(f))
☐ Service on Secretary of State — Nonresident (SDCL 15-7-2)
☐ Waiver of Service (SDCL 15-6-4(e))
☐ Other (Describe): [________________________________]

B. Number of Defendants to Be Served: [____]

C. Service Address(es)

XI. RELATED CASE DISCLOSURE

1. Are there any related, pending, or previously dismissed South Dakota actions involving the same subject matter or parties?

☐ Yes ☐ No

2. If "Yes," provide details:

3. Is consolidation or transfer requested?

☐ Yes ☐ No

XII. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION

(If required by local rule)

☐ Parties have previously engaged in ADR
☐ Parties intend to engage in ADR
☐ ADR is not contemplated at this time
☐ Not applicable / No local ADR requirement

XIII. FILING FEE CALCULATION

(Per SDCL 16-2-29 and the UJS Clerk of Court Fee Schedule. Fees are subject to legislative revision.)

Method of Payment:
☐ Cash ☐ Check ☐ Money Order ☐ Credit/Debit Card ☐ E-Payment ☐ Fee Waiver (Motion per SDCL 16-2-29.2)

Fee Waiver: Under SDCL 16-2-29.2, the court may waive filing fees and service costs upon motion and affidavit demonstrating inability to pay due to poverty. The affidavit must set forth income, assets, and liabilities.

XIV. E-FILING COMPLIANCE

(Electronic filing is mandatory in counties participating in the UJS eCourts system.)

☐ This filing is submitted electronically through the UJS eCourts system
☐ This filing is submitted on paper (county not yet on eCourts or self-represented litigant exception)
☐ This filing is submitted by mail (where permitted)

E-Filing Confirmation Number: [________________________________]

Formatting Requirements: All documents must be on 8.5" x 11" white paper, single-sided, and comply with South Dakota formatting rules (minimum 12-point font, double-spaced body text). When e-filing, upload documents in PDF format.

XV. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

☐ This filing contains confidential information subject to SDCL confidentiality requirements
☐ A Confidential Information Form is attached
☐ No confidential information is included

Warning: Do not include Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, or other protected identifiers in this filing statement or in accompanying pleadings unless required by statute or court rule.

XVI. CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I, the undersigned, certify and represent as follows:

1. To the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances, the information provided in this Civil Case Filing Statement is true and correct;

2. All known parties have been listed and all required nature-of-action codes have been accurately designated;

3. A copy of this filing statement will be served on all parties concurrently with the initiating pleading as required by rule or court order;

4. I acknowledge responsibility for payment of the filing fees set forth in Section XIII and understand that any deficiency may result in rejection of the filing;

5. No protected identifiers appear in this filing statement other than in compliance with SDCL confidentiality requirements.

Note: Notarization is NOT required for a civil case filing statement in South Dakota. Verify any local rule exceptions.

XVII. CLERK'S OFFICE USE ONLY

(Do not write below this line)

XVIII. FILING CHECKLIST

☐ Civil Case Filing Statement (this form — per SDCL 15-6-5(h))
☐ Complaint / Petition (original plus copies for service)
☐ Summons (to be issued by Clerk — one per defendant)
☐ Filing Fee (per Section XIII) or Fee Waiver Motion and Affidavit (SDCL 16-2-29.2)
☐ Jury Demand Fee (if applicable)
☐ Verified Complaint (if required by statute)
☐ Certificate of Mailing / Service
☐ Confidential Information Form (if applicable)
☐ Additional Circuit-Specific Forms (if any — check with local clerk)
☐ Copies for service (one set per defendant)

XIX. PRACTICE TIPS FOR SOUTH DAKOTA CIVIL FILINGS

1. Venue: Civil actions are generally brought in the county where the defendant resides or where the cause of action arose (SDCL 15-5-1 et seq.).

2. Statutes of Limitation: The general statute of limitations for personal injury in South Dakota is three years (SDCL 15-2-14). For breach of contract (written), six years (SDCL 15-2-13). For breach of oral contract, six years (SDCL 15-2-13). Medical malpractice must be brought within two years from the date of discovery (SDCL 15-2-14.1).

3. Medical Malpractice: Under SDCL 21-3-11, medical malpractice claims have specific notice and procedural requirements. Review these carefully before filing.

4. Filing Statement Required for All Parties: SDCL 15-6-5(h) requires not only the plaintiff but also the defendant (upon filing an answer or first responsive pleading) and any newly added party to file a completed civil case filing statement.

5. E-Filing: Check whether your county participates in the UJS eCourts system. Counties on eCourts require electronic filing. Visit ujs.sd.gov for the current list of participating counties and filing instructions.

6. Document Formatting: All documents must comply with South Dakota formatting requirements: 8.5" x 11" white paper, minimum 12-point font, double-spaced body text, and single-sided printing for paper filings.

7. Service of Process: South Dakota permits personal service, certified/registered mail, and service by publication. The primary method is personal service by sheriff or process server (SDCL 15-6-4(d)).

8. Clerk Rejection: The clerk will reject filings submitted with insufficient fees or incomplete filing statements. Confirm all requirements with the clerk before submission.

XX. SOURCES AND REFERENCES

• South Dakota Codified Laws (SDCL):
• SDCL 1-26 (Administrative Procedures and Rules)
• SDCL 15-2-13, 15-2-14, 15-2-14.1 (Statutes of Limitation)
• SDCL 15-5-1 et seq. (Venue)
• SDCL 15-6-3 (Commencement of Action)
• SDCL 15-6-4 (Process and Service)
• SDCL 15-6-5(h) (Civil Case Filing Statements)
• SDCL 15-6-14 (Third-Party Practice)
• SDCL 15-6-23 (Class Actions)
• SDCL 15-6-38 (Jury Demand)
• SDCL 15-6-84 (Forms)
• SDCL 15-7-2 (Service on Nonresidents)
• SDCL 15-16A (Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments)
• SDCL 15-39 (Small Claims)
• SDCL 16-2-29 (Clerk of Courts Fees)
• SDCL 16-2-29.2 (Fee Waiver)
• SDCL 20-13 (Human Relations / Discrimination)
• SDCL 21-3-11 (Medical Malpractice)
• SDCL 21-5-1 et seq. (Wrongful Death)
• SDCL 21-8 (Injunctions)
• SDCL 21-14 (Replevin)
• SDCL 21-16 (Forcible Entry and Detainer)
• SDCL 21-24 (Declaratory Judgments)
• SDCL 21-27 (Habeas Corpus)
• SDCL 21-29 (Mandamus)
• SDCL 21-31 (Ejectment)
• SDCL 21-35 (Eminent Domain)
• SDCL 21-41 (Quieting Title)
• SDCL 21-45 (Partition)
• SDCL 21-47 (Foreclosure)
• SDCL 25-4 (Divorce)
• SDCL 25-6 (Adoption)
• SDCL 25-7 (Child Support)
• SDCL 25-10 (Domestic Abuse)
• SDCL 29A (Uniform Probate Code)
• SDCL 37-24 (Consumer Protection)
• SDCL 44-9 (Mechanic's Lien)
• SDCL 55 (Trusts)
• SDCL 57A (Uniform Commercial Code)
• SDCL 60-11 (Wages)
• SDCL 62 (Workers' Compensation)
• South Dakota Unified Judicial System (UJS) — https://ujs.sd.gov
• UJS eFiling Guidelines — https://ujs.sd.gov/files/e-filing-guidelines/
• UJS Attorney Forms — https://ujs.sd.gov/for-attorneys/attorney-forms/

End of South Dakota General Civil Case Cover Sheet Template