Laws current as of July 11, 2024
Who is considered to be a "vulnerable adult" and who can file a petition for an order?
The following people can file for a vulnerable adult protection order:
- a “vulnerable adult,” which the law defines as:
- someone who is sixty-five or older who is unable to protect himself/herself from abuse as a result of age or a mental or physical condition; or
- an adult of any age with a disability; or
- a vulnerable adult’s spouse, relative, household member, caregiver, or fiduciary who is filing on behalf of the vulnerable adult. Note: A “fiduciary” is someone who has the legal power to act on another’s behalf.1
1 SDCL § 21-65-1(10), (14), (15)