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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Indiana

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Indiana: A Plain-English Guide

Thinking about ending your marriage is never easy. But if you and your spouse are on the same page, an uncontested divorce in Indiana (formally called a dissolution of marriage) can be a simpler, more affordable way to move forward. Instead of battling in court, you focus on completing the right Indiana forms, reaching clear agreements, and letting the judge review your paperwork.

This guide explains how a simple divorce in Indiana works for self-represented people (also called “pro se” parties). We’ll walk through who qualifies, what “uncontested” or “agreed” divorce means, the basic steps, timelines, costs, and how a DIY approach can fit into the process.

PlainDivorce.com is not a law firm. Nothing in this article is legal advice. It’s general legal information about Indiana divorce procedure. Court rules, local county practices, forms, and fees can change. Before you file, double-check current requirements with your county clerk or speak with an Indiana lawyer or legal clinic if you can.

If you decide a self-represented, agreed dissolution is right for you, organized paperwork and clear instructions can make the process less stressful. That’s where a self-help kit can help, but first, let’s look at how Indiana uncontested divorce usually works (including the keyword that helps many DIY filers avoid a courthouse appearance).

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Indiana

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Indiana?

In Indiana, divorce is formally called a dissolution of marriage. The law doesn’t use the phrase “simple divorce” as a special legal category, but people use “simple,” “uncontested,” or “agreed” to describe cases where the spouses agree on everything and do not ask the judge to decide disputes.

In an agreed case, spouses submit their agreements in writing to the court, and there is no full trial. The judge’s job is mainly to review the paperwork, make sure legal requirements are met, and then sign the final order (the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage).

An uncontested divorce in Indiana usually means:

  • Both spouses agree the marriage is over and want a dissolution.
  • They file on no-fault grounds (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage).
  • They agree on how to divide property and debts.
  • If they have children, they agree on custody, parenting time, and child support that follows Indiana guidelines.

Sometimes both spouses sign the paperwork together. Other times one spouse files and the other spouse cooperates by signing service waivers and settlement documents. As long as there’s no real dispute for the judge to decide, it can still be an “uncontested” or “agreed” case.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Indiana?

Before you get into paperwork, you need to know whether you’re allowed to file in Indiana and whether your situation is a good fit for an uncontested divorce.

2.1 Residency requirements

To file for dissolution in Indiana, at least one spouse must generally meet both requirements:

  • 6-month Indiana residency (or stationed at a U.S. military base in Indiana for the last 6 months), and
  • 3-month county residency in the county where you file.

If you recently moved to Indiana or changed counties, you may need to wait until you meet these requirements. Many Indiana filings happen in Circuit or Superior Court, depending on the county.

2.2 Grounds for divorce

Indiana allows both fault and no-fault grounds. For a simple, uncontested dissolution, most people use the no-fault option: irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (meaning the relationship has broken down and cannot be repaired).

2.3 When an Indiana case is a good fit for uncontested divorce

  • You both agree to end the marriage.
  • You can reach a written agreement about property and debts.
  • If you have children, you can agree on custody, parenting time, and child support consistent with Indiana guidelines.

2.4 When an uncontested divorce may not work well

  • There has been domestic violence, intimidation, or controlling behavior.
  • One spouse refuses to share information about finances.
  • You own a business, multiple properties, or large retirement accounts and don’t understand the consequences of different settlement options.
  • There are complicated immigration, tax, or bankruptcy issues.
  • You strongly disagree about the children.

In these situations, it can be risky to rely only on DIY information. Even one strategy session with an Indiana family law attorney or legal aid office can prevent expensive mistakes.

3. Step-by-Step Overview of the Uncontested Divorce Process

Every county has local practices, and packet requirements can vary. But most uncontested dissolutions in Indiana follow a similar big-picture path.

Step 1 – Confirm you qualify (and the correct court)

  • Residency: 6 months in Indiana and 3 months in the county.
  • Grounds: irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.
  • Correct filing location: your county’s Circuit or Superior Court.

Step 2 – Reach agreements early (property, debts, and children)

  • Property and debts (house, vehicles, bank accounts, credit cards, loans).
  • Spousal maintenance (if any).
  • If you have children: custody, parenting time, and child support using Indiana guidelines.

In many Indiana counties, the written agreement is often presented as a Settlement Agreement and Decree of Dissolution (meaning your settlement terms are included in the final decree the judge signs).

Step 3 – Prepare the key forms (use Indiana’s real form names)

Paperwork is where most of the work happens. Many agreed packets include items like:

  • Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (the petition is “verified,” meaning signed under oath).
  • Summons (in cases where one spouse files and the other must be notified).
  • Verified Waiver of Service of Process and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Petition for Dissolution (Divorce) and Summons (a major money saver when the other spouse will sign).
  • Financial Declaration Form (often required by local practice).
  • Settlement Agreement and Decree of Dissolution (the final order the judge signs).
  • Record of Dissolution of Marriage (Vital Records form) (ask your clerk for the current version and form number so the divorce can be registered with the state).
  • If you have children: parenting plan paperwork and a Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW).

Clerks can tell you what forms are required and where to file, but they cannot tell you what to write in your documents. If your situation is complicated, consider a short consultation.

Step 4 – File with the clerk (Circuit or Superior Court)

Once your forms are ready, you file them with the clerk in the proper county court. Filing methods (e-filing vs. paper for self-represented parties) and local cover sheets can vary, so check your county’s instructions.

Step 5 – Service, or the waiver shortcut

If your spouse will sign the Verified Waiver of Service of Process, you can often avoid paying for sheriff service or certified mail. If your spouse will not sign, you usually must complete formal service correctly, because service controls deadlines and can delay the case if done wrong.

Step 6 – Wait the mandatory 60 days (Indiana’s cooling-off period)

Indiana generally requires a minimum 60-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed before the court can finalize the divorce. Use this time to finish your settlement terms, exchange required financial information, and complete any child-related requirements.

Step 7 – Judge signs the Decree (and the clerk processes vital records)

If the judge is satisfied that residency is met, forms are complete, and your agreements are reasonable (especially for children), the judge signs the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. Make sure your packet also includes the Record of Dissolution of Marriage (Vital Records form) required for state reporting, or your clerk may not be able to finish processing the case.

If you need official proof later (name change, remarriage, benefits), request a certified copy from the clerk’s office. There is usually an extra fee.

4. The “Holy Grail” DIY Tip: Verified Waiver of Final Hearing

If you’re searching “how to get divorced in Indiana without going to court,” here’s the term that matters:

Verified Waiver of Final Hearing.

In many Indiana counties, when your case is fully agreed and more than 60 days have passed, spouses can file a Verified Waiver of Final Hearing asking the judge to approve the settlement and sign the decree without a courtroom appearance.

Important: Not every county handles this the same way. Some courts still require a brief final hearing in certain situations (especially where children are involved), or they may require additional local paperwork. But knowing the phrase “Verified Waiver of Final Hearing” helps Indiana DIY filers ask the right questions and use the correct packet for an agreed case.

5. Special Issues When You Have Children (CSOW Worksheet)

Having children doesn’t prevent an uncontested divorce in Indiana, but it does mean the court will review your agreements more closely. The judge must protect the best interests of your children, even if both parents agree.

5.1 Parenting time and decision making

Indiana uses the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines as a reference for building parenting plans. Your plan should cover the weekly schedule, holidays, vacations, transportation, communication, and how major decisions are handled.

5.2 Child support (the worksheet hard stop)

Indiana child support is guideline-based. A common reason courts reject or delay an agreed packet is missing support calculations.

  • Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW): Courts commonly expect a completed CSOW to show the guideline baseline, even if parents agree to a different amount.
  • Health insurance and medical expenses: Your paperwork should clearly address who carries insurance and how uninsured expenses are split.

5.3 Parenting classes and local requirements

Some counties require parents in divorce cases to complete a parenting education program before a final order is entered. Always check your local court’s website or ask the clerk about parent education requirements and local forms.

6. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Indiana?

There’s no way to guarantee a specific timeline, but there are clear rules and common patterns:

  • Minimum time: Indiana’s 60-day waiting period is mandatory in most cases.
  • Typical agreed cases: Many uncontested divorces finish shortly after day 60 if paperwork is complete and the court’s process is smooth.
  • If a hearing is required: You may wait longer depending on county scheduling.

Timeline (plain English): Filing Date → Service or Waiver of Service → 60-Day Wait → Waiver of Final Hearing Filed (if allowed) → Decree Signed → Clerk processes Vital Records form.

7. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost?

The cost of a DIY uncontested divorce in Indiana varies by county. Typical cost categories include:

  • Court filing fee: set by law with possible county add-ons (confirm the current amount with your county clerk).
  • Service costs: often avoided if your spouse signs a Verified Waiver of Service of Process.
  • Certified copies: small fees for certified copies of the decree.
  • Notary fees: some documents may need notarization.
  • Parenting class costs: if required locally.

Compared to a fully contested divorce, an agreed dissolution is often the closest thing to an affordable divorce in Indiana, as long as you stay organized and use the correct forms.

8. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

Some situations deserve individual legal advice. A fully DIY divorce may not be wise if:

  • There is a history of domestic violence, stalking, or threats.
  • One spouse is pressuring the other to sign documents quickly without explanation.
  • There are high-value or complex assets (business, farm, multiple properties, stock options, large retirement accounts).
  • Either spouse has significant immigration issues that might be affected by divorce.
  • There are serious concerns about a child’s safety or well-being.
  • One spouse is hiding assets or refusing to share financial information.

In these cases, even a low-cost consultation or limited-scope representation can protect you from expensive mistakes later, even if you still handle most paperwork yourself.

9. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

If your situation is straightforward and you’re serious about an Indiana divorce without a lawyer, a well-designed self-help kit can reduce stress by keeping you organized around the key forms and deadlines, including the Verified Waiver of Final Hearing (when eligible), the service waiver options, and the child support worksheet requirement.

A kit is not legal advice and doesn’t replace official local instructions. But it can help you:

  • Understand the big picture of uncontested divorce in Indiana.
  • Stay organized with checklists and timelines (including the 60-day waiting period).
  • Gather the information you’ll need to complete your forms correctly.
  • Avoid common mistakes that cause filings to be rejected or delayed (missing signatures, missing worksheets, missing vital records forms).
Download Our Indiana Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

Again, PlainDivorce is not a law firm. Our kits provide structured information and tools to help you handle your own case. They are not legal advice and cannot replace a lawyer’s guidance about your specific facts.

10. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Starting a divorce, even an agreed one, can feel overwhelming. The good news is that an Indiana uncontested divorce is designed to be more straightforward when spouses cooperate and follow the rules.

  • Confirm Indiana’s 6-month state and 3-month county residency requirements.
  • Get clear agreement on property, debts, and (if applicable) children.
  • Use the correct current forms, including service waivers when appropriate.
  • Plan around the mandatory 60-day waiting period.
  • If you have children, include a Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW) and complete child-related requirements early.
  • Ask your clerk which Record of Dissolution of Marriage (Vital Records form) version they require so the divorce can be registered properly.

Remember: this guide is legal information, not legal advice. If you have questions about your rights, your safety, or significant money or parenting issues, it’s important to speak with an Indiana lawyer or legal aid organization.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.