Indiana · Uncontested divorce · Updated Oct 2026

Uncontested divorce in Indiana

An agreed (uncontested) divorce in Indiana, from official sources: who can use the process for agreed cases, the residency rule, the waiting period, the official forms, the filing fee, the fee waiver, e-filing, how your spouse can sign instead of being served and mediation.

In short

Agreed cases in Indiana, according to the official sources: Summary dissolution: if both of you sign verified papers waiving the final hearing and either say nothing is contested or attach a signed settlement agreement, the court can enter the decree without a hearing at least 60 days after filing (Ind. Code 31-15-2-13).

Who can file (residency)
6 months
Waiting period
60 days after filing
Filing fee
$157
E-filing
Yes

Who can use the process for agreed cases in Indiana

  • Summary dissolution: if both of you sign verified papers waiving the final hearing and either say nothing is contested or attach a signed settlement agreement, the court can enter the decree without a hearing at least 60 days after filing (Ind. Code 31-15-2-13).
  • Indiana Legal Help has packets for agreed divorces with and without children.

Before you file in Indiana

Who can file (residency)
You or your spouse must have lived in Indiana (or been stationed at a military base there) for 6 months, and in the county where you file for 3 months, right before filing.
Waiting period
The final hearing can't be held, and a summary (agreed) decree can't be entered, until at least 60 days after the petition is filed.
Law
Ind. Code 31-15-2-6 · Ind. Code 31-15-2-10, 31-15-2-13

Forms, fees and filing in Indiana

Official forms
Divorce forms (Indiana courts)
Court self-help
Divorce self-help (Indiana courts)
Filing fee
$157 to file a new civil case, or $185 including sheriff service (Indiana Legal Help).
If you can't afford the fee
Ask the court to waive the fee with a filing fee waiver request; Indiana Legal Help explains the requirements and links the form: https://indianalegalhelp.org/filing-fee-frequently-asked-questions/
E-filing
Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through Indiana's e-filing system; see https://indianalegalhelp.org/how-to-electronically-file-forms-with-the-court/

If your spouse agrees to sign

Your spouse can also sign an appearance or waiver.

If you agree on only some issues

Common; courts often order mediation in contested family cases. Information: https://www.in.gov/courts/selfservice/mediation

An uncontested divorce in Indiana, step by step

  1. Check that you can file in Indiana

    You or your spouse must have lived in Indiana (or been stationed at a military base there) for 6 months, and in the county where you file for 3 months, right before filing.

  2. See if you qualify for the simpler process

    Summary dissolution: if both of you sign verified papers waiving the final hearing and either say nothing is contested or attach a signed settlement agreement, the court can enter the decree without a hearing at least 60 days after filing (Ind. Code 31-15-2-13).

  3. Fill in the official forms

    Use the court's official divorce forms: Divorce forms (Indiana courts)

  4. File, and pay the fee or ask for a waiver

    $157 to file a new civil case, or $185 including sheriff service (Indiana Legal Help). Can't afford it? Ask the court to waive the fee with a filing fee waiver request; Indiana Legal Help explains the requirements and links the form: https://indianalegalhelp.org/filing-fee-frequently-asked-questions/. Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through Indiana's e-filing system; see https://indianalegalhelp.org/how-to-electronically-file-forms-with-the-court/.

  5. Have your spouse sign or be served

    Your spouse can also sign an appearance or waiver.

  6. Wait out the waiting period

    The final hearing can't be held, and a summary (agreed) decree can't be entered, until at least 60 days after the petition is filed.

  7. Get the final decree

    The judge signs the final decree (judgment), which ends the marriage. Get a certified copy and keep it.

Questions about uncontested divorce in Indiana

Is there a simplified divorce for agreed cases in Indiana?

Summary dissolution: if both of you sign verified papers waiving the final hearing and either say nothing is contested or attach a signed settlement agreement, the court can enter the decree without a hearing at least 60 days after filing (Ind. Code 31-15-2-13). Indiana Legal Help has packets for agreed divorces with and without children.

How long does an uncontested divorce take in Indiana?

The final hearing can't be held, and a summary (agreed) decree can't be entered, until at least 60 days after the petition is filed.

Who can file for an uncontested divorce in Indiana?

You or your spouse must have lived in Indiana (or been stationed at a military base there) for 6 months, and in the county where you file for 3 months, right before filing.

Does my spouse have to be served if we agree in Indiana?

Your spouse can also sign an appearance or waiver.

Can we file for divorce online in Indiana?

Yes. Self-represented people can e-file through Indiana's e-filing system; see https://indianalegalhelp.org/how-to-electronically-file-forms-with-the-court/

How much does it cost to file an uncontested divorce in Indiana?

$157 to file a new civil case, or $185 including sheriff service (Indiana Legal Help).

Is mediation required in Indiana?

Common; courts often order mediation in contested family cases. Information: https://www.in.gov/courts/selfservice/mediation

More about divorce in Indiana

Uncontested divorce in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.