Where to file bankruptcy in South Dakota
The federal bankruptcy courts in South Dakota, how to pick yours, fees, required courses and the meeting of creditors.
Checked against official sources: October 25, 2026.
Short answer
You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. South Dakota has one bankruptcy court for the whole state, with clerk's offices in Sioux Falls and Pierre: https://www.sdb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations.
- Federal bankruptcy courts
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South Dakota bankruptcy courts and divisions
You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. South Dakota has one bankruptcy court for the whole state, with clerk's offices in Sioux Falls and Pierre: https://www.sdb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations
Law: 28 U.S.C. 1408
Divisions: One statewide court; clerk's offices in Sioux Falls and Pierre; hearings held in Sioux Falls, Rapid City, Pierre and Aberdeen
Clerk's phone: (605) 357-2400 (Sioux Falls); (605) 945-4460 (Pierre)
The 730-day rule
The non-absolute state exemptions (such as the $7,000 / $5,000 general exemption) do not apply to a nonresident or to someone in the act of moving out of the state with family.
Law: S.D. Codified Laws 43-45-7
In nearby states
- Nebraska: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Nebraska
- North Dakota: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of North Dakota
- Minnesota: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Minnesota
What to do now in South Dakota
Pick the right court
Your district depends on where you lived most of the last 180 days.
Read your court's pages
Each court lists its divisions, hours and local rules: U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Dakota.
Do the first course
You need the certificate when you file. U.S. Trustee list of approved credit counseling agencies.
Get the forms ready
Get the official bankruptcy forms.
Free help in South Dakota
- SD Law Help (online application for Access to Justice, Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services)
- Access to Justice, Inc. (State Bar of South Dakota free and reduced-rate program)
- Dakota Plains Legal Services
- East River Legal Services
- SD Free Legal Answers (ask a volunteer lawyer online)
- U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of South Dakota – Court's self-help page
Questions about filing in South Dakota
How do I find my bankruptcy court in South Dakota?
You file in the federal district where you lived (your domicile) for most of the last 180 days. South Dakota has one bankruptcy court for the whole state, with clerk's offices in Sioux Falls and Pierre: https://www.sdb.uscourts.gov/court-info/court-locations
What is the median income for the means test in South Dakota?
For cases filed on or after April 1, 2026: 1 person: $69,190; 2 people: $89,809; 3 people: $100,883; 4 people: $130,738; Each extra person: +$11,100.
Who helps with bankruptcy for free in South Dakota?
SD Law Help (online application for Access to Justice, Dakota Plains Legal Services and East River Legal Services), Access to Justice, Inc. (State Bar of South Dakota free and reduced-rate program) and Dakota Plains Legal Services.