Indiana Divorce Checklist

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Prepared: 5/20/2026

Data updated: 3/1/2026

Estimated Timeline

60 days minimum for uncontested divorces with full agreement on all issues (mandatory waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10). Most uncontested cases finalize in 2–4 months including paperwork processing. Contested divorces with disputes over property, custody, or support typically take 6–12 months. Complex contested cases involving business valuations, expert witnesses, or custody evaluations may take 12–18 months or longer.

Documents to Gather

Certified Marriage Certificate
Valid Photo Identification
Social Security Cards
Birth Certificates for Minor Children
Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
Proof of Residency
Health Insurance Documentation

Financial Documents

Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
Last 6 Months of Pay Stubs or Proof of Income
Bank Statements (All Accounts, Last 12 Months)
Retirement and Investment Account Statements
Real Estate Documents
Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
Credit Card and Loan Statements
Business Ownership Documentation(if applicable)
Life Insurance Policies(if applicable)
Monthly Expense Worksheet

Key Steps

1. Before Filing

Verify Residency Requirements
Determine Grounds for Dissolution
Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
Assess Safety Concerns and Obtain Protective Orders if Needed

2. Filing Process

Complete the Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Prepare the Settlement Agreement (If Uncontested)
File the Petition with the County Clerk of Court
Complete the Child Support Obligation Worksheet (If Children Involved)

3. After Filing

Serve Your Spouse with the Petition and Summons
Wait for Your Spouse's Response
Complete Financial Disclosure
Request Provisional Orders if Needed
Complete Mandatory Parenting Education (If Children Involved)
Participate in Mediation (If Required or Ordered)
Observe the 60-Day Mandatory Waiting Period
Attend the Final Hearing and Obtain the Decree

Key Deadlines

Respondent must file Answer or responsive pleading20 days after service (23 days if served by U.S. mail)

Mandatory waiting period must elapse before decree60 days after the petition is filed

Court must rule on provisional order petition21 days after provisional petition is filed

Parenting education class must be completed30–60 days after filing (varies by county)

Child Support Guideline Worksheet exchangeWithin 10 days of receiving other party's Financial Declaration

Appeal of final decree30 days after entry of the final decree

Fraud challenge to property divisionWithin 6 years of the property division order

Quick Reference

To file for divorce in Indiana, you must first meet the residency requirements under IC 31-15-2-6: at least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for 6 consecutive months and in the filing county for 3 consecutive months. File a Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (Form PS-31152-1) with the county Circuit or Superior Court Clerk, paying a filing fee of approximately $157–$185 depending on the county. Serve your spouse, who then has 20 days to respond under Indiana Trial Rule 6(C) — or 23 days if served by mail. Indiana imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period under IC 31-15-2-10 before the court can grant the decree, and this period cannot be waived. If minor children are involved, both parents must complete a court-approved parenting education class (typically 4 hours, $25–$75 per parent) and file a Child Support Obligation Worksheet. Indiana is a one-pot property state under IC 31-15-7-4, meaning all property is subject to division with a presumption of equal division under IC 31-15-7-5. Most uncontested divorces finalize in 2–4 months. Contested cases typically take 6–12 months. Fee waivers are available for low-income filers.