How to File for Divorce in Indiana Without a Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Filing for divorce in Indiana without a lawyer is possible when both spouses agree on major issues. Indiana has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed before the divorce can be finalized. The filing fee is approximately $157. This guide explains every step of the DIY divorce process in Indiana.

How to File Divorce in Indiana Without a Lawyer (Step-by-Step Guide)

Who qualifies for a divorce without a lawyer in Indiana?

You may be able to file for divorce without a lawyer in Indiana if both spouses agree on all major issues including property division, debts, and — if applicable — child custody and support. Indiana is a no-fault divorce state which simplifies the process considerably.

Both spouses agree on all terms of the divorce
There is no history of domestic violence or coercion
Neither spouse has highly complex assets such as a business or pension
Both spouses are willing to cooperate and sign documents

Indiana residency requirement

At least one spouse must have been a resident of Indiana for a minimum of 6 months before filing for divorce, and a resident of the county where you file for at least 3 months. You must file in the Circuit or Superior Court of the county where either spouse lives.

Indiana divorce waiting period

Indiana has a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed before the divorce can be finalized. This waiting period cannot be waived. Most uncontested divorces in Indiana are finalized within 2–4 months after filing.

Step-by-step divorce process in Indiana

Step 1 — Download Indiana divorce forms
Indiana divorce forms are available from the Indiana Courts website at in.gov/courts. Indiana provides free self-help forms and instructions for uncontested dissolution cases.

Step 2 — File at your county court
File your completed Petition for Dissolution of Marriage at the Circuit or Superior Court clerk’s office in your county. The filing fee is approximately $157 in most Indiana counties. Marion County (Indianapolis) and Allen County (Fort Wayne) may have slightly different fees.

Step 3 — Serve your spouse
After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the Petition and Summons. If your spouse agrees to cooperate, they can sign a Waiver of Service. Otherwise use the county sheriff or a process server. Your spouse has 23 days to respond after being served.

Step 4 — Complete financial disclosure
Indiana requires both spouses to complete a Financial Declaration Form listing all income, expenses, assets, and debts. This is required even for uncontested cases and must be filed with the court.

Step 5 — Wait 60 days and attend final hearing
After the 60-day waiting period, the court schedules a brief final hearing. For an uncontested dissolution in Indiana, typically only the filing spouse needs to appear. The judge reviews the Settlement Agreement and signs the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.

Required forms for divorce in Indiana

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Waiver of Service (if spouse waives formal service)
Financial Declaration Form (both spouses)
Settlement Agreement signed by both spouses
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
If children are involved: Parenting Time Guidelines and Child Support Worksheet

Forms are available free at in.gov/courts.

How much does a divorce cost in Indiana?

The court filing fee in Indiana is approximately $157 in most counties. For a DIY uncontested dissolution, your total cost is typically $157–$300. Attorney fees for an uncontested divorce in Indiana typically range from $1,000 to $3,000. Contested divorces with attorneys can cost $10,000–$20,000 or more.

How long does a divorce take in Indiana?

The minimum time for a divorce in Indiana is 60 days from the date of filing. Most uncontested DIY divorces in Indiana are finalized in 2–4 months. Contested divorces typically take 12–18 months or longer depending on the complexity of disputes over property or custody.

Frequently asked questions — Indiana divorce

Is Indiana a no-fault divorce state?

Yes. Indiana allows no-fault divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. Indiana also allows fault-based grounds including felony conviction, impotence, and incurable insanity.

Is Indiana an equitable distribution state?

Yes. Indiana presumes that marital property should be divided equally 50/50 between spouses. However, either spouse can present evidence to justify a different division based on factors such as each spouse’s economic circumstances and contributions to the marriage.

Do I need to appear in court for a divorce in Indiana?

For an uncontested dissolution in Indiana, typically at least the filing spouse needs to appear at the final hearing. The hearing is brief — the judge asks a few questions confirming residency and the grounds for divorce, then signs the Decree of Dissolution.

Can I file for divorce in Indiana without my spouse’s cooperation?

Yes. You can file a contested dissolution in Indiana without your spouse’s agreement. Your spouse must be formally served and has 23 days to respond. If they do not respond, you may proceed with a default divorce after the 60-day waiting period.

What if I cannot afford the Indiana divorce filing fee?

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can apply for a fee waiver by filing a Motion to Proceed In Forma Pauperis with the court. If your income qualifies, the court may waive the filing fee entirely.

Divorce guides in other states

Divorce laws vary significantly by state. Select your state below to find the complete guide.

Legal disclaimer

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Divorce laws in Indiana vary by county and individual circumstances. If your divorce involves significant assets, children, or disputes, consider consulting a licensed attorney in Indiana.