In a proceeding for custodial responsibility of a child of a servicemember, a court may not consider a parent’s past deployment or possible future deployment in itself in determining the best interest of the child. However, if upon return from the deployment either the servicemember or child exhibits a substantial and material change in circumstances that adversely affects the servicemember’s ability to adequately care for the child, the best interests of the child shall be determinative.

Terms Used In South Dakota Codified Laws 25-4B-107

Source: SL 2014, ch 123, § 7.