permit a court to order family therapy or reunification therapy in a custody or visitation dispute.

This bill allows courts in South Dakota to order family therapy or reunification therapy when deciding custody or visitation disputes involving children. The legislation gives judges the authority to require parents or guardians to participate in therapeutic sessions aimed at improving family relationships and resolving conflicts. Directly affected parties include parents, guardians, and children involved in custody cases where family dynamics are a central issue. The key provision enables courts to mandate these therapy services as part of their decisions, rather than leaving such interventions entirely to voluntary participation. This change provides an additional tool for judges to address family conflict while making custody determinations.