Domestic Partnerships in South Dakota: Not Legal; Same-Sex Marriage Is

South Dakota does not recognize domestic partnerships (for same-sex or opposite-sex couples) at the state level.

Current Legal Landscape

• Same-sex marriage: Legal since June 26, 2015 (U.S. Supreme Court, Obergefell v. Hodges). All counties issue licenses.
• Civil unions/domestic partnerships: Never enacted statewide. Some cities (e.g., Sioux Falls) may have limited employee benefits, but no legal status.
• Common-law marriage: Not recognized (abolished 1959).

Practical Implications

• Couples seeking legal protections must marry.
• Out-of-state domestic partnerships/civil unions are not recognized.
• Estate planning (wills, powers of attorney, beneficiary designations) essential for unmarried couples.