SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Indiana Divorce Papers
Deciding to end a marriage is hard enough without getting lost in a maze of paperwork. If you're facing a divorce in Indiana, you're probably wondering which forms you actually need, where to find them, and what the process looks like from start to finish. This guide walks you through the divorce papers used in Indiana in plain language, so you can feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
Indiana is one of the states that publishes standardized, statewide divorce forms, which can make the process more approachable than in places where every county does its own thing. That said, some counties add their own local forms or requirements, so a little local research goes a long way.
Below, you'll find the forms grouped by what they do, where you can get them, an overview of how the Indiana divorce process generally works, and the state-specific rules worth knowing. Everything here is informational only. For advice about your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which Indiana Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact forms you'll use depend on your circumstances: whether you and your spouse agree on everything, whether you have minor children, and which county you file in. Indiana's statewide forms are published by the Coalition for Court Access (CCA) and organized into four scenarios: no children and spouses agree, with children and spouses agree, no children and contested, and with children and contested. Here's a breakdown of the common forms by what each one does.
Starting the Case
Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
This form opens the divorce case. The petitioner uses it to state the grounds (typically irretrievable breakdown of the marriage) and the relief being sought. Two versions exist, one for cases with children and one without. It appears in the CCA form series (for example, CCA-DC-0719-1041 is referenced in official packets), though the exact number varies by packet edition.
Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Request for Provisional Orders
This is a combined petition that opens the case and also requests temporary (provisional) relief at the time of filing.
Summons
This form directs the respondent to appear or respond and is served with the petition. It's part of every CCA divorce packet.
Verified Request for Provisional (Temporary) Orders
This form is used to request temporary orders for support, custody, or use of property while the case is still pending.
Verified Motion for Fee Waiver (Waiver of Pre-Payment of Fees)
This form is used to request a waiver of court filing fees for low-income filers.
Responding to the Case
Pro Se Appearance (Appearance for Respondent)
This form is filed by the respondent to formally enter their appearance in the case. It's available statewide through CCA packets and county clerk offices.
Verified Waiver of Service of Process and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Petition for Dissolution (CCA-DC-1220-1073)
This form allows the respondent to waive formal service and acknowledge receiving the petition, which avoids the need for sheriff or certified-mail service.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
Financial Declaration Form
This is a mandatory financial disclosure that the parties exchange within 60 days of filing. It discloses income, assets, debts, and expenses. There is no single statewide form number for this one; the form number varies by county (for example, Hamilton County uses LR29-FL00-40210 / Form 402B), and local rules govern which version applies.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW)
This state-published worksheet calculates the guideline child support amount under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. It's filed in any case involving child support and is available as a DOCX/PDF from courts.in.gov. It is a worksheet rather than a numbered court form.
Parenting Time Credit Worksheet (PTCW)
This state-published worksheet adjusts child support based on the number of overnights with the non-custodial parent. It's filed alongside the CSOW.
Post-Secondary Education Worksheet (PSEW)
This state-published worksheet is used to calculate post-secondary education support contributions when applicable.
Parenting Plan
This form details legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule. It's required in all cases involving minor children and must be signed by all parties in agreed cases.
Income Withholding Order (IWO) (OMB 0970-0154)
This federal/state form directs an employer to withhold child support from the paying parent's wages. It's used whenever a child support order is entered.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Settlement Agreement and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
This combined settlement agreement and final decree is used in uncontested cases, with or without children. It resolves all issues (property, debts, custody, support, and parenting time) and is entered by the court as the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
This is the final court order dissolving the marriage. It's used in contested cases where a separate settlement agreement isn't incorporated, or after a trial.
Verified Waiver of Final Hearing
This form is used in agreed/uncontested cases under IC 31-15-2-13. It allows the judge to sign the decree without either party appearing in court, after the 60-day waiting period has elapsed.
Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice (CCA-DC-1220-1075) / Order Granting Motion to Dismiss (CCA-DC-1220-1076)
These forms are used by the petitioner to voluntarily dismiss the divorce case.
Where to Get Indiana Divorce Forms
You have several options for finding and completing Indiana divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official State Courts Site
Indiana publishes statewide standardized forms through the Coalition for Court Access at the state's Self-Service Legal Center. You can find the divorce form packets at indianalegalhelp.org. The authoritative landing page is the Indiana Courts Self-Service center at in.gov/courts/selfservice, which directs you to the official forms. Child support worksheets (CSOW, PTCW, PSEW) are published separately at courts.in.gov.
County Clerk or Court
Your county clerk's office can provide the CCA packets and is also where some counties maintain local supplemental forms. Several counties (such as Allen, Hamilton, Lake, and Floyd) require county-specific Financial Declaration Forms or add local rules, so checking with your local clerk helps you avoid surprises.
Legal Aid & Self-Help
The CCA resources at indianalegalhelp.org are designed for self-represented filers and include guided instructions for each of the four divorce scenarios. These are free, official, and a good starting point if you want to understand the paperwork before committing to anything.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not sort through packets on your own, Divorce.com offers a guided online process that helps you prepare your divorce paperwork based on your answers to simple questions. It's designed for uncontested cases and can take a lot of the guesswork out of which forms apply to you.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex assets, or situations where you simply want professional guidance, an attorney can prepare and review your forms and represent you. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Indiana Divorce Process
Every case is a little different, but here's a general overview of how a divorce typically moves through the Indiana courts.
1. Confirm Residency
Before filing, at least one spouse must meet Indiana's residency requirements (more on the specifics below).
2. File the Petition
The case begins when the petitioner files the Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (and pays the filing fee, or files a fee waiver request) with the county clerk.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The respondent is served with the petition and Summons. The respondent can waive formal service using the Verified Waiver of Service of Process (CCA-DC-1220-1073) and enter their appearance with the Pro Se Appearance form.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
The parties exchange the Financial Declaration Form, typically within 60 days of filing. In cases with children, the child support worksheets (CSOW, PTCW, and PSEW where applicable) and a Parenting Plan are prepared.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
Indiana imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. In uncontested cases, once that period passes and a signed settlement agreement is on file, the parties can file a Verified Waiver of Final Hearing so the judge can enter the decree without a court appearance. Contested cases proceed to hearings or trial.
6. Decree & Certified Copies
The court enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (or the combined Settlement Agreement and Decree in agreed cases), which is the final judgment ending the marriage. You can request certified copies from the clerk for your records.
Indiana-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for 6 months and in the filing county for at least 3 months immediately before filing. There's a military exception for service members stationed at a U.S. military installation in Indiana for 6 months and in the county for 3 months.
Property division (equitable distribution with a "one-pot" approach): Indiana is an equitable distribution state, but it's distinctive in that it includes all property in the marital pot, including premarital, inherited, and gifted property (IC 31-15-7-4). The court presumes an equal (50/50) division is just and reasonable (IC 31-15-7-5), but either party can rebut that presumption using statutory factors. This differs from many equitable distribution states that exclude premarital property by default.
Grounds: Indiana is a no-fault state. The most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (IC 31-15-2-3(1)), which requires only one spouse's assertion; the court does not require proof. The same statute lists rarely used fault grounds: a felony conviction after marriage, impotence existing at the time of marriage, and incurable insanity for at least two years. Indiana does not recognize adultery as a statutory ground.
Mandatory 60-day waiting period: Under IC 31-15-2-10, there is a hard 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. It cannot be waived by the parties, attorneys, or the judge.
Parenting education classes: These aren't required by state law, but many counties (such as Lake County) require a co-parenting class before a divorce involving minor children can be finalized. Requirements are county-specific, so check your local rules.
No covenant marriage: Indiana does not have a covenant marriage statute, and there is no legal separation requirement before divorce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the County-Level Check
Because the Financial Declaration Form and some local rules vary by county, relying only on the statewide packet can leave gaps. Confirming local requirements with your county clerk helps keep your filing on track.
Overlooking the Child-Related Worksheets
In cases involving children, the CSOW, PTCW, and (where applicable) PSEW are part of the package, along with a Parenting Plan. These are worksheets rather than numbered court forms, which is easy to miss.
Assuming the Waiting Period Can Be Shortened
The 60-day waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived by anyone, so timelines should be planned around it.
Choosing the Wrong Form Packet
Indiana's forms are organized into four scenarios based on children and whether the case is agreed or contested. Starting with the wrong packet can mean redoing paperwork.
Misunderstanding the "One-Pot" Rule
Assuming that premarital, inherited, or gifted property is automatically off the table can lead to surprises, since Indiana includes all of it in the marital pot by default.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through petitions, worksheets, and county-specific forms can feel like a second job. Divorce.com is built to make an uncontested Indiana divorce simpler by guiding you through a series of straightforward questions and helping you prepare the paperwork that fits your situation. Here's what that looks like in practice:
A guided, question-based process so you're not guessing which packet applies
Help preparing your divorce documents based on your answers
A clear, step-by-step experience designed for self-represented filers
Support that takes the stress out of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters
An affordable alternative to navigating everything alone
Which Indiana Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact forms you'll use depend on your circumstances: whether you and your spouse agree on everything, whether you have minor children, and which county you file in. Indiana's statewide forms are published by the Coalition for Court Access (CCA) and organized into four scenarios: no children and spouses agree, with children and spouses agree, no children and contested, and with children and contested. Here's a breakdown of the common forms by what each one does.
Starting the Case
Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
This form opens the divorce case. The petitioner uses it to state the grounds (typically irretrievable breakdown of the marriage) and the relief being sought. Two versions exist, one for cases with children and one without. It appears in the CCA form series (for example, CCA-DC-0719-1041 is referenced in official packets), though the exact number varies by packet edition.
Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Request for Provisional Orders
This is a combined petition that opens the case and also requests temporary (provisional) relief at the time of filing.
Summons
This form directs the respondent to appear or respond and is served with the petition. It's part of every CCA divorce packet.
Verified Request for Provisional (Temporary) Orders
This form is used to request temporary orders for support, custody, or use of property while the case is still pending.
Verified Motion for Fee Waiver (Waiver of Pre-Payment of Fees)
This form is used to request a waiver of court filing fees for low-income filers.
Responding to the Case
Pro Se Appearance (Appearance for Respondent)
This form is filed by the respondent to formally enter their appearance in the case. It's available statewide through CCA packets and county clerk offices.
Verified Waiver of Service of Process and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Petition for Dissolution (CCA-DC-1220-1073)
This form allows the respondent to waive formal service and acknowledge receiving the petition, which avoids the need for sheriff or certified-mail service.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
Financial Declaration Form
This is a mandatory financial disclosure that the parties exchange within 60 days of filing. It discloses income, assets, debts, and expenses. There is no single statewide form number for this one; the form number varies by county (for example, Hamilton County uses LR29-FL00-40210 / Form 402B), and local rules govern which version applies.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW)
This state-published worksheet calculates the guideline child support amount under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. It's filed in any case involving child support and is available as a DOCX/PDF from courts.in.gov. It is a worksheet rather than a numbered court form.
Parenting Time Credit Worksheet (PTCW)
This state-published worksheet adjusts child support based on the number of overnights with the non-custodial parent. It's filed alongside the CSOW.
Post-Secondary Education Worksheet (PSEW)
This state-published worksheet is used to calculate post-secondary education support contributions when applicable.
Parenting Plan
This form details legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule. It's required in all cases involving minor children and must be signed by all parties in agreed cases.
Income Withholding Order (IWO) (OMB 0970-0154)
This federal/state form directs an employer to withhold child support from the paying parent's wages. It's used whenever a child support order is entered.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Settlement Agreement and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
This combined settlement agreement and final decree is used in uncontested cases, with or without children. It resolves all issues (property, debts, custody, support, and parenting time) and is entered by the court as the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
This is the final court order dissolving the marriage. It's used in contested cases where a separate settlement agreement isn't incorporated, or after a trial.
Verified Waiver of Final Hearing
This form is used in agreed/uncontested cases under IC 31-15-2-13. It allows the judge to sign the decree without either party appearing in court, after the 60-day waiting period has elapsed.
Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice (CCA-DC-1220-1075) / Order Granting Motion to Dismiss (CCA-DC-1220-1076)
These forms are used by the petitioner to voluntarily dismiss the divorce case.
Where to Get Indiana Divorce Forms
You have several options for finding and completing Indiana divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official State Courts Site
Indiana publishes statewide standardized forms through the Coalition for Court Access at the state's Self-Service Legal Center. You can find the divorce form packets at indianalegalhelp.org. The authoritative landing page is the Indiana Courts Self-Service center at in.gov/courts/selfservice, which directs you to the official forms. Child support worksheets (CSOW, PTCW, PSEW) are published separately at courts.in.gov.
County Clerk or Court
Your county clerk's office can provide the CCA packets and is also where some counties maintain local supplemental forms. Several counties (such as Allen, Hamilton, Lake, and Floyd) require county-specific Financial Declaration Forms or add local rules, so checking with your local clerk helps you avoid surprises.
Legal Aid & Self-Help
The CCA resources at indianalegalhelp.org are designed for self-represented filers and include guided instructions for each of the four divorce scenarios. These are free, official, and a good starting point if you want to understand the paperwork before committing to anything.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not sort through packets on your own, Divorce.com offers a guided online process that helps you prepare your divorce paperwork based on your answers to simple questions. It's designed for uncontested cases and can take a lot of the guesswork out of which forms apply to you.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex assets, or situations where you simply want professional guidance, an attorney can prepare and review your forms and represent you. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Indiana Divorce Process
Every case is a little different, but here's a general overview of how a divorce typically moves through the Indiana courts.
1. Confirm Residency
Before filing, at least one spouse must meet Indiana's residency requirements (more on the specifics below).
2. File the Petition
The case begins when the petitioner files the Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (and pays the filing fee, or files a fee waiver request) with the county clerk.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The respondent is served with the petition and Summons. The respondent can waive formal service using the Verified Waiver of Service of Process (CCA-DC-1220-1073) and enter their appearance with the Pro Se Appearance form.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
The parties exchange the Financial Declaration Form, typically within 60 days of filing. In cases with children, the child support worksheets (CSOW, PTCW, and PSEW where applicable) and a Parenting Plan are prepared.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
Indiana imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. In uncontested cases, once that period passes and a signed settlement agreement is on file, the parties can file a Verified Waiver of Final Hearing so the judge can enter the decree without a court appearance. Contested cases proceed to hearings or trial.
6. Decree & Certified Copies
The court enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (or the combined Settlement Agreement and Decree in agreed cases), which is the final judgment ending the marriage. You can request certified copies from the clerk for your records.
Indiana-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for 6 months and in the filing county for at least 3 months immediately before filing. There's a military exception for service members stationed at a U.S. military installation in Indiana for 6 months and in the county for 3 months.
Property division (equitable distribution with a "one-pot" approach): Indiana is an equitable distribution state, but it's distinctive in that it includes all property in the marital pot, including premarital, inherited, and gifted property (IC 31-15-7-4). The court presumes an equal (50/50) division is just and reasonable (IC 31-15-7-5), but either party can rebut that presumption using statutory factors. This differs from many equitable distribution states that exclude premarital property by default.
Grounds: Indiana is a no-fault state. The most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (IC 31-15-2-3(1)), which requires only one spouse's assertion; the court does not require proof. The same statute lists rarely used fault grounds: a felony conviction after marriage, impotence existing at the time of marriage, and incurable insanity for at least two years. Indiana does not recognize adultery as a statutory ground.
Mandatory 60-day waiting period: Under IC 31-15-2-10, there is a hard 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. It cannot be waived by the parties, attorneys, or the judge.
Parenting education classes: These aren't required by state law, but many counties (such as Lake County) require a co-parenting class before a divorce involving minor children can be finalized. Requirements are county-specific, so check your local rules.
No covenant marriage: Indiana does not have a covenant marriage statute, and there is no legal separation requirement before divorce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the County-Level Check
Because the Financial Declaration Form and some local rules vary by county, relying only on the statewide packet can leave gaps. Confirming local requirements with your county clerk helps keep your filing on track.
Overlooking the Child-Related Worksheets
In cases involving children, the CSOW, PTCW, and (where applicable) PSEW are part of the package, along with a Parenting Plan. These are worksheets rather than numbered court forms, which is easy to miss.
Assuming the Waiting Period Can Be Shortened
The 60-day waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived by anyone, so timelines should be planned around it.
Choosing the Wrong Form Packet
Indiana's forms are organized into four scenarios based on children and whether the case is agreed or contested. Starting with the wrong packet can mean redoing paperwork.
Misunderstanding the "One-Pot" Rule
Assuming that premarital, inherited, or gifted property is automatically off the table can lead to surprises, since Indiana includes all of it in the marital pot by default.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through petitions, worksheets, and county-specific forms can feel like a second job. Divorce.com is built to make an uncontested Indiana divorce simpler by guiding you through a series of straightforward questions and helping you prepare the paperwork that fits your situation. Here's what that looks like in practice:
A guided, question-based process so you're not guessing which packet applies
Help preparing your divorce documents based on your answers
A clear, step-by-step experience designed for self-represented filers
Support that takes the stress out of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters
An affordable alternative to navigating everything alone
Which Indiana Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The exact forms you'll use depend on your circumstances: whether you and your spouse agree on everything, whether you have minor children, and which county you file in. Indiana's statewide forms are published by the Coalition for Court Access (CCA) and organized into four scenarios: no children and spouses agree, with children and spouses agree, no children and contested, and with children and contested. Here's a breakdown of the common forms by what each one does.
Starting the Case
Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
This form opens the divorce case. The petitioner uses it to state the grounds (typically irretrievable breakdown of the marriage) and the relief being sought. Two versions exist, one for cases with children and one without. It appears in the CCA form series (for example, CCA-DC-0719-1041 is referenced in official packets), though the exact number varies by packet edition.
Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and Request for Provisional Orders
This is a combined petition that opens the case and also requests temporary (provisional) relief at the time of filing.
Summons
This form directs the respondent to appear or respond and is served with the petition. It's part of every CCA divorce packet.
Verified Request for Provisional (Temporary) Orders
This form is used to request temporary orders for support, custody, or use of property while the case is still pending.
Verified Motion for Fee Waiver (Waiver of Pre-Payment of Fees)
This form is used to request a waiver of court filing fees for low-income filers.
Responding to the Case
Pro Se Appearance (Appearance for Respondent)
This form is filed by the respondent to formally enter their appearance in the case. It's available statewide through CCA packets and county clerk offices.
Verified Waiver of Service of Process and Acknowledgement of Receipt of Petition for Dissolution (CCA-DC-1220-1073)
This form allows the respondent to waive formal service and acknowledge receiving the petition, which avoids the need for sheriff or certified-mail service.
Financial & Disclosure Forms
Financial Declaration Form
This is a mandatory financial disclosure that the parties exchange within 60 days of filing. It discloses income, assets, debts, and expenses. There is no single statewide form number for this one; the form number varies by county (for example, Hamilton County uses LR29-FL00-40210 / Form 402B), and local rules govern which version applies.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Obligation Worksheet (CSOW)
This state-published worksheet calculates the guideline child support amount under the Indiana Child Support Guidelines. It's filed in any case involving child support and is available as a DOCX/PDF from courts.in.gov. It is a worksheet rather than a numbered court form.
Parenting Time Credit Worksheet (PTCW)
This state-published worksheet adjusts child support based on the number of overnights with the non-custodial parent. It's filed alongside the CSOW.
Post-Secondary Education Worksheet (PSEW)
This state-published worksheet is used to calculate post-secondary education support contributions when applicable.
Parenting Plan
This form details legal custody, physical custody, and the parenting time schedule. It's required in all cases involving minor children and must be signed by all parties in agreed cases.
Income Withholding Order (IWO) (OMB 0970-0154)
This federal/state form directs an employer to withhold child support from the paying parent's wages. It's used whenever a child support order is entered.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Settlement Agreement and Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
This combined settlement agreement and final decree is used in uncontested cases, with or without children. It resolves all issues (property, debts, custody, support, and parenting time) and is entered by the court as the final judgment.
Finalizing Your Case
Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
This is the final court order dissolving the marriage. It's used in contested cases where a separate settlement agreement isn't incorporated, or after a trial.
Verified Waiver of Final Hearing
This form is used in agreed/uncontested cases under IC 31-15-2-13. It allows the judge to sign the decree without either party appearing in court, after the 60-day waiting period has elapsed.
Motion to Dismiss Without Prejudice (CCA-DC-1220-1075) / Order Granting Motion to Dismiss (CCA-DC-1220-1076)
These forms are used by the petitioner to voluntarily dismiss the divorce case.
Where to Get Indiana Divorce Forms
You have several options for finding and completing Indiana divorce papers, depending on how much help you want along the way.
Official State Courts Site
Indiana publishes statewide standardized forms through the Coalition for Court Access at the state's Self-Service Legal Center. You can find the divorce form packets at indianalegalhelp.org. The authoritative landing page is the Indiana Courts Self-Service center at in.gov/courts/selfservice, which directs you to the official forms. Child support worksheets (CSOW, PTCW, PSEW) are published separately at courts.in.gov.
County Clerk or Court
Your county clerk's office can provide the CCA packets and is also where some counties maintain local supplemental forms. Several counties (such as Allen, Hamilton, Lake, and Floyd) require county-specific Financial Declaration Forms or add local rules, so checking with your local clerk helps you avoid surprises.
Legal Aid & Self-Help
The CCA resources at indianalegalhelp.org are designed for self-represented filers and include guided instructions for each of the four divorce scenarios. These are free, official, and a good starting point if you want to understand the paperwork before committing to anything.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If you'd rather not sort through packets on your own, Divorce.com offers a guided online process that helps you prepare your divorce paperwork based on your answers to simple questions. It's designed for uncontested cases and can take a lot of the guesswork out of which forms apply to you.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex assets, or situations where you simply want professional guidance, an attorney can prepare and review your forms and represent you. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Indiana Divorce Process
Every case is a little different, but here's a general overview of how a divorce typically moves through the Indiana courts.
1. Confirm Residency
Before filing, at least one spouse must meet Indiana's residency requirements (more on the specifics below).
2. File the Petition
The case begins when the petitioner files the Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (and pays the filing fee, or files a fee waiver request) with the county clerk.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The respondent is served with the petition and Summons. The respondent can waive formal service using the Verified Waiver of Service of Process (CCA-DC-1220-1073) and enter their appearance with the Pro Se Appearance form.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
The parties exchange the Financial Declaration Form, typically within 60 days of filing. In cases with children, the child support worksheets (CSOW, PTCW, and PSEW where applicable) and a Parenting Plan are prepared.
5. Observe the Waiting Period
Indiana imposes a mandatory 60-day waiting period from the date of filing before a divorce can be finalized. In uncontested cases, once that period passes and a signed settlement agreement is on file, the parties can file a Verified Waiver of Final Hearing so the judge can enter the decree without a court appearance. Contested cases proceed to hearings or trial.
6. Decree & Certified Copies
The court enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage (or the combined Settlement Agreement and Decree in agreed cases), which is the final judgment ending the marriage. You can request certified copies from the clerk for your records.
Indiana-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency: At least one spouse must have lived in Indiana for 6 months and in the filing county for at least 3 months immediately before filing. There's a military exception for service members stationed at a U.S. military installation in Indiana for 6 months and in the county for 3 months.
Property division (equitable distribution with a "one-pot" approach): Indiana is an equitable distribution state, but it's distinctive in that it includes all property in the marital pot, including premarital, inherited, and gifted property (IC 31-15-7-4). The court presumes an equal (50/50) division is just and reasonable (IC 31-15-7-5), but either party can rebut that presumption using statutory factors. This differs from many equitable distribution states that exclude premarital property by default.
Grounds: Indiana is a no-fault state. The most common ground is irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (IC 31-15-2-3(1)), which requires only one spouse's assertion; the court does not require proof. The same statute lists rarely used fault grounds: a felony conviction after marriage, impotence existing at the time of marriage, and incurable insanity for at least two years. Indiana does not recognize adultery as a statutory ground.
Mandatory 60-day waiting period: Under IC 31-15-2-10, there is a hard 60-day waiting period from the date of filing. It cannot be waived by the parties, attorneys, or the judge.
Parenting education classes: These aren't required by state law, but many counties (such as Lake County) require a co-parenting class before a divorce involving minor children can be finalized. Requirements are county-specific, so check your local rules.
No covenant marriage: Indiana does not have a covenant marriage statute, and there is no legal separation requirement before divorce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Skipping the County-Level Check
Because the Financial Declaration Form and some local rules vary by county, relying only on the statewide packet can leave gaps. Confirming local requirements with your county clerk helps keep your filing on track.
Overlooking the Child-Related Worksheets
In cases involving children, the CSOW, PTCW, and (where applicable) PSEW are part of the package, along with a Parenting Plan. These are worksheets rather than numbered court forms, which is easy to miss.
Assuming the Waiting Period Can Be Shortened
The 60-day waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived by anyone, so timelines should be planned around it.
Choosing the Wrong Form Packet
Indiana's forms are organized into four scenarios based on children and whether the case is agreed or contested. Starting with the wrong packet can mean redoing paperwork.
Misunderstanding the "One-Pot" Rule
Assuming that premarital, inherited, or gifted property is automatically off the table can lead to surprises, since Indiana includes all of it in the marital pot by default.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Sorting through petitions, worksheets, and county-specific forms can feel like a second job. Divorce.com is built to make an uncontested Indiana divorce simpler by guiding you through a series of straightforward questions and helping you prepare the paperwork that fits your situation. Here's what that looks like in practice:
A guided, question-based process so you're not guessing which packet applies
Help preparing your divorce documents based on your answers
A clear, step-by-step experience designed for self-represented filers
Support that takes the stress out of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters
An affordable alternative to navigating everything alone
Deciding to end a marriage is hard enough without getting lost in a maze of paperwork. If you're facing a divorce in Indiana, you're probably wondering which forms you actually need, where to find them, and what the process looks like from start to finish. This guide walks you through the divorce papers used in Indiana in plain language, so you can feel more prepared and less overwhelmed.
Indiana is one of the states that publishes standardized, statewide divorce forms, which can make the process more approachable than in places where every county does its own thing. That said, some counties add their own local forms or requirements, so a little local research goes a long way.
Below, you'll find the forms grouped by what they do, where you can get them, an overview of how the Indiana divorce process generally works, and the state-specific rules worth knowing. Everything here is informational only. For advice about your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Indiana makes divorce paperwork more manageable than many states by publishing standardized statewide forms through the Coalition for Court Access, but the details still matter. The forms you need depend on whether you have children and whether your case is agreed or contested, and counties from Indianapolis (Marion County) to Fort Wayne (Allen County), Hamilton County, and Lake County may add their own local requirements like county-specific Financial Declaration Forms or co-parenting classes. Knowing the 60-day waiting period, the residency rules, and Indiana's "one-pot" approach to property up front can save you time and stress.
You can download the official statewide forms at indianalegalhelp.org (reachable through in.gov/courts/selfservice). If you'd prefer a guided, simpler path for an uncontested case, Divorce.com can help you prepare your paperwork step by step.
This guide is informational only and not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Let’s get your divorce started today.
Let’s get your divorce started today.
Complete your divorce forms online
We can help you complete and file the right paperwork online.
Start your divorce papers
Ready for your next step?
Get Started