What is a financial affidavit for stepparent adoption in South Dakota?

A financial affidavit is a standard court form that provides the Circuit Court with a snapshot of your family's financial situation. It is required in many South Dakota counties.

What it includes:

• Your income (employment, self-employment, etc.)
• Your spouse's income
• Monthly expenses (housing, utilities, food, etc.)
• Assets (home, vehicles, savings)
• Debts (mortgage, loans, credit cards)

What the court is looking for:

• The court is NOT requiring you to be wealthy
• There is NO minimum income requirement for adoption
• The court wants to see that the child will be adequately cared for
• Since you are ALREADY living with and supporting the child, this is rarely a concern

How to fill it out:

• Be honest and complete
• Estimates are fine for approximate expenses
• We include this form in your document package with instructions

What if my finances aren't great?

• Receiving public assistance does NOT disqualify you
• Having debt does NOT disqualify you
• Low income does NOT disqualify you
• The court evaluates the child's best interest — and being with a loving parent who wants to adopt them IS in their best interest

Included in your $349 document package — pre-formatted for your South Dakota county with instructions for completion.