Indiana divorce at a glance
Official source: Indiana court forms & self-help. Always confirm current forms and fees with the court before filing.
How to file for divorce in Indiana: step by step
Indiana is no-fault with a mandatory 60-day wait that applies even to fully agreed cases. Here is the path to a Decree of Dissolution.
- Confirm you can file in Indiana
One spouse must have lived in Indiana for 6 months and in the county for 3 months. Indiana is no-fault (irretrievable breakdown), with a mandatory 60-day wait that can’t be waived.Source: IC 31-15-2-6; IC 31-15-2-10 - Generate your forms
Prepare the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and supporting forms.Source: Indiana self-service forms - File with the court
File with the Circuit or Superior Court and pay about $157–$177, or file a Verified Motion for Fee Waiver. E-filing is optional for self-represented filers.Source: IC 33-37-3-2 (fee waiver) - Serve your spouse
Serve your spouse, or have them file a waiver/appearance in an agreed case.Source: Ind. R. Trial P. 4 - File the child-support worksheet (if children)
If you have children, the Child Support Obligation Worksheet must be filed — use the official Indiana online calculator.Source: Indiana Child Support Rules & Guidelines - Finalize after the 60-day wait
After the 60-day waiting period, submit your settlement; the court enters the Decree of Dissolution.Source: Decree of Dissolution
What does filing “pro se” (without a lawyer) mean in Indiana?
Pro se — also called self-represented — means you handle your own divorce without hiring an attorney. Check the linked court resources for the self-represented filing paths and forms available where you will file. Local requirements and the issues in your case determine which documents you need.
Filing pro se is usually a good fit when: you both agree on the divorce, you can agree on splitting property and debts, and any parenting time and support are worked out. It’s worth talking to a lawyer when: you disagree about custody or money, one spouse hides assets or won’t cooperate, there’s a business or significant property to divide, or there has been any abuse.
LawCat helps you organize your case information and find official court resources. Available generated drafts depend on your state and case path; review the court’s complete checklist before filing.
Child support resources for Indiana
Indiana child support calculator → An itemized estimate from Indiana’s official guideline, figures effective 2024-05-14. The court’s worksheet controls.
Use the current official worksheet and instructions for your case. Income definitions, parenting arrangements, deductions, other obligations and additional expenses can affect the result. A simple percentage of the higher earner’s income does not establish an obligation.
Official court forms and guidance →
How long does a Indiana divorce take?
A mandatory 60-day waiting period after filing before the decree — it cannot be waived, even in a fully agreed case. (IC 31-15-2-10) After that, the timeline depends on the court’s calendar and how quickly each step is completed. An uncontested, pro-se divorce is typically the fastest path — most of the wait is the statutory period, not paperwork.
Common reasons Indiana divorce filings get rejected
- Missing signatures, or forms that aren’t notarized where the court requires it.
- Skipping the financial disclosure both spouses are required to exchange.
- Filing before meeting the residency requirement.
- Mistakes serving the other spouse, or forgetting to file the proof of service.
- Not following local county rules. Low–moderate. Statewide packets work everywhere; filing fees vary slightly by county.
LawCat’s guided questions and filing checklist are built to prevent exactly these — the errors that send self-represented filers back to the clerk’s window.
Organize your Indiana case
Document tools are in preview and are not released to ordinary users. Accounts, case intake and official court resources are available. No complete generated filing packet is promised.
Official Indiana forms → See how it worksWhy LawCat is free
Most “online divorce” sites charge $137–$499 for the same public court forms, and some add monthly fees. LawCat’s document preparation is free, with no subscription and no card on file.
Compare divorce filing fees in every state →
Indiana divorce FAQ
Do I need a lawyer to get divorced in Indiana?
No lawyer is required: Indiana courts accept divorce filings from self-represented (pro se) people, and the official court resources linked on this page explain the forms and steps. Many people talk to a lawyer when custody, support or property is disputed. LawCat links the official Indiana forms and lets you organize your case free of charge; it does not give legal advice.
How long do I have to live in Indiana to file for divorce?
One spouse must have lived in Indiana for 6 months and in the filing county for 3 months. (IC 31-15-2-6) Confirm the current rule with the official Indiana court source before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Indiana?
The court filing fee is about $157–$177, depending on the county. File a Verified Motion for Fee Waiver (IC 33-37-3-2). LawCat’s available drafts have no document-preparation charge; court costs, service and other expenses are separate.