How to File for Divorce in Indiana
How to file for divorce in Indiana: the residency rule, filing fee and fee waivers, uncontested options and how long it takes.
Short answer: When the petition is filed, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana (or been stationed at a U.S. Ind. Code § 31-15-2-6
| Residency requirement | When the petition is filed, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana (or been stationed at a U.S. military installation in Indiana) for the 6 months before filing, and at least one spouse must have lived in the county where the case is filed (or been stationed at a military installation there) for the 3 months before filing. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ind. Code § 31-15-2-6 |
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| Filing fee | Filing fees are collected by the county Clerk and differ by county and by how the other spouse is served. For example, the Clark County Clerk lists $177 for a divorce served by certified mail or $205 for service by the sheriff (May 2024). Example from one county only; check with your county Clerk. |
| Uncontested or simplified divorce | If both spouses agree, the court may enter a summary dissolution decree without a final hearing, at least 60 days after filing, if both spouses sign and file verified pleadings that include a written waiver of the final hearing and either a statement that no issues are contested or a written settlement agreement. Re-verified 2026-10-27. Source: Ind. Code § 31-15-2-13 |
| Waiting period | The final hearing cannot be held, and a summary decree cannot be entered, until at least 60 days after the petition is filed. Re-verified 2026-10-27. |
| Divorce forms | The Indiana Judicial Branch's Self-Service Legal Center directs people representing themselves to court forms from the Coalition for Court Access at IndianaLegalHelp.org, which offers form packets for certain types of cases. The Center also links to the state's child support calculator, information on e-filing, and a directory of local clerk's offices. |
Where to get help in Indiana
More Indiana divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Indiana
- Adopting a Child in Indiana
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Indiana
- Establishing Paternity in Indiana
- Changing Your Name in Indiana
- Child Custody Laws in Indiana
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Indiana
- Divorce Records in Indiana
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Indiana
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Indiana
- All Indiana divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How long do you have to live in Indiana to file for divorce?
When the petition is filed, at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana (or been stationed at a U.S. military installation in Indiana) for the 6 months before filing, and at least one spouse must have lived in the county where the case is filed (or been stationed at a military installation there) for the 3 months before filing.
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Indiana?
Filing fees are collected by the county Clerk and differ by county and by how the other spouse is served. For example, the Clark County Clerk lists $177 for a divorce served by certified mail or $205 for service by the sheriff (May 2024).
How do you get an uncontested divorce in Indiana?
If both spouses agree, the court may enter a summary dissolution decree without a final hearing, at least 60 days after filing, if both spouses sign and file verified pleadings that include a written waiver of the final hearing and either a statement that no issues are contested or a written settlement agreement.
Is there a waiting period for divorce in Indiana?
The final hearing cannot be held, and a summary decree cannot be entered, until at least 60 days after the petition is filed.
Where can I get divorce papers and forms in Indiana?
The Indiana Judicial Branch's Self-Service Legal Center directs people representing themselves to court forms from the Coalition for Court Access at IndianaLegalHelp.org, which offers form packets for certain types of cases. The Center also links to the state's child support calculator, information on e-filing, and a directory of local clerk's offices.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.