Is it in my best interest to be emancipated?

You are unlikely to be emancipated based upon this description. You don't have firm housing, you don't have employment to support yourself...

Can my kids be taken if I live with a sex offender?

Child custody determinations like your ex-husband is threatening are based upon the child's best interests. Certainly the criminal history of the...

Is a 16 year old male allowed to have sex with an 18 year old male in South Dakota?

You've identified the crux of the problem. While the age of consent for any kind sexual penetration in South Dakota is 16 such that it wouldn't be...

How can I stop my father from contacting me and my children?

Unless his behavior amounts to domestic abuse and/or stalking as defined by state law, you would be unable to obtain either a domestic protection...

Based on your description, it is unlikely CPS will get involved or follow-up. Your kids would most likely have been taken into protective custody...

Can I file an appeal in small claims court in South Dakota as the defendant?

No, by submitting to the jurisdiction of small claims court (and not requesting your case be transferred to the regular civil docket), you waived...

There is no right to court-appointed counsel or a public defender in small claims. Generally, court-appointed attorneys at taxpayer expense are...

Cases cannot be re-opened over a decade after pleading guilty and being sentenced. If you didn't already request a suspended imposition at the...

Child custody ?

You said you've filed for custody already - was there a custody order already in place when he took the children? If so, you should contact local...

Is possession of marijuana still on my record?

Juvenile records are generally sealed and confidential. You need to look at the question you are being asked on your application. Generally,...