how to get help to file for divorce in indiana without a lawyer

by Neoma Abbott 7 min read

If you decide to handle your divorce on your own without employing a divorce attorney, you can download and use the forms that are made available by the Indiana courts on their website or you can get hard copies of the documents at the court clerk’s office.

Full Answer

How to file for a divorce without a lawyer in Indiana?

Feb 25, 2022 · Step 1: Starting your Indiana divorce. Preparing the Documents. If you want to file for a divorce without a divorce lawyer, you can download the appropriate forms and fill them using the instructions available online. Alternatively, you can get hard copies of the forms from the clerk at the local court. Documents Needed for Filing for Divorce

How do I get a divorce with children in Indiana?

Jun 16, 2020 · The best solution for divorce in Indiana is to go through a do it yourself procedure. We will provide you with all the necessary files and you will have to take care of the papers yourself. Filing for divorce in Indiana. When you file the divorce papers in Indiana, you must have a common view with your spouse.

What forms do I need to file for divorce in Indiana?

Jan 26, 2022 · The Ultimate Guide To Easy Divorce Online How To Get Easy Divorce In Indiana Without A Lawyer. Table of Contents 6 Simple Techniques For Fast Divorce How Quick And Easy Divorce can Save You Time, Stress, and Money.

How to arrange an affordable and quick uncontested divorce in Indiana?

Can I really file for divorce in Indiana without a lawyer? Indiana laws do not provide a requirement that a person must have a lawyer to file for divorce. Even though it is easier to arrange a divorce case with legal representation, as lawyers are familiar with the family laws and court rules, more and more couples prefer to file a divorce 'Pro ...

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How much does it cost to file for divorce in Indiana without a lawyer?

The court will charge a filing fee which will vary between $132 and $152, depending on which county you are in. You usually have to pay this fee in cash or by certified check or money order.Aug 29, 2014

Can you file for divorce in Indiana without a lawyer?

It would be easier if you have an attorney, because the attorney is familiar with the divorce laws and with the courts. However, there is no requirement that you have an attorney to file a divorce, and if you cannot get an attorney, you can file the divorce on your own.Apr 30, 2012

What is the fastest way to get a divorce in Indiana?

An uncontested divorce can be pretty quick if you meet Indiana's residency requirements. Before you can file for divorce in the state, you or your spouse must have been living in Indiana for six months. You'll need to file your divorce case in the county in which you have lived for the past three months.

How long does it take to get an uncontested divorce in Indiana?

60 daysHow long does it take to get a divorce in Indiana? Typically, it takes at least 60 days before the court can finalize a divorce in Indiana. Once the divorce is filed, the court can issue temporary orders, but the actual divorce cannot be finalized until 60 days have passed from the date that the divorce was filed.

Can I file for divorce online in Indiana?

For those seeking an inexpensive divorce in the state of Indiana, online divorce is an easy, affordable and fast solution. Online divorce may be appropriate for couples who have an uncontested case. The step-by-step process of preparing divorce documents at Onlinedivorce.com makes it easy for you.

Does Indiana require separation before divorce?

Indiana Divorce Court Orders After a spouse files for divorce in Indiana, the parties must live apart for at least 60 days before the divorce can be finalized.Feb 18, 2022

Can you get a divorce without going to court?

It is possible to get divorced without going to court, as long as your partner agrees to the divorce and the reasons why. However, it is still possible that you will need to go to court to decide what happens to money, property and children.Apr 26, 2018

How do you get an uncontested divorce in Indiana?

To get an uncontested divorce in Indiana, you'll need to agree with your spouse on how you will deal with:property division and allocation of debts.alimony (known as maintenance in Indiana), and.if you have minor children, custody, parenting time (visitation), and child support.

What is a Uncontested divorce?

In an uncontested divorce, the husband and wife have to file a petition in the family court of the location where they last lived. After receiving the petition and recording the statement of both the spouses, the court adjourns the matter for 6 months.Oct 22, 2019

Can you date while separated in Indiana?

Don't even consider dating until you have physically separated, even if you or your spouse agree that the marriage is over. The judge (or your spouse) may use it as a reason the marriage failed and (depending on your state's laws) could lead a judge to award more of the marital assets to your spouse.

Does it matter who files for divorce first in Indiana?

Yes. It does not matter who files for divorce; the wife can get her maiden or former name back as part of the final divorce as long as she asks the court to do this.Dec 15, 2016

How much does an uncontested divorce cost in Indiana?

Divorce Filing Fees and Typical Attorney Fees by StateStateAverage Filing FeesOther Divorce Costs and Attorney FeesIndiana$157Average fees: $9,000Iowa$185Average fees: $9,000+Kansas$400Average fees: $8,000+Kentucky$148 (without an attorney), $153 (with an attorney)Average fees: $8,000+48 more rows•Jul 21, 2020

Can I really file for divorce in Indiana without a lawyer?

Indiana laws do not provide a requirement that a person must have a lawyer to file for divorce. Even though it is easier to arrange a divorce case...

How can I file for divorce in Indiana without a lawyer?

The main steps the spouses need to take during their uncontested divorce process in Indiana are similar, regardless of whether the parties seek leg...

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

The cost of any marriage dissolution starts with a court filing fee, which is mandatory for almost all petitioners. In Indiana, the filing fee is a...

How long do you have to live in Indiana to file for divorce?

To have the right to apply for divorce in Indiana, the spouses must meet the state's residency requirements. Foremost, divorce shall be filed in th...

How long do you have to respond to divorce papers in Indiana?

Unlike most other states, Indiana Rules of Procedure do not imply that the party served with the divorce papers (the defendant) must file a respons...

How do you get a free divorce in Indiana?

A free divorce in Indiana is only available for the parties who do not hire lawyers or use any paid alternative services, given that the petitioner...

What papers do I need to file for a divorce in Indiana?

The initial divorce forms required to start a divorce in Indiana are the Verified Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and the Summons. Other legal...

Why do people divorce in Indiana?

The fault-based reasons for seeking a divorce in Indiana include: Conviction of a felony; Impotency existing at the time of the marriage; and. incurable insanity of either party for a period of 2 years.

How long do you have to be a resident of Indiana to file for divorce?

Under the Indiana Code, either spouse must have been a resident of the State of Indiana for at least six months before filing the divorce petition with the court.

How long can divorce proceedings be delayed in Indiana?

At the request of either spouse or the court, if there is a reasonable possibility of reconciliation, the divorce proceedings may be delayed up to 60 days for the spouses to seek counseling. [Annotated Indiana Code; Title 31, Article 15, Chapters 2-10 and 9.4-1]

How long do you have to live in Indiana to get divorced?

Indiana is no exception. Either spouse must have an established residency in the state for at least six months and in the county where the petition will be filed for at least three months.

What is joint custody in Indiana?

Joint legal or sole custody is sometimes granted in Indiana based on what is considered to be in the best interests of children and the following factors: The age and gender of the children; The wishes of the children if of sufficient maturity; The desires of the parents;

What is de facto custody?

A designation of the child's parent or child’s de-facto custodian in a power of attorney.

Do you need a lawyer to file for divorce in Indiana?

Indiana laws do not provide a requirement that a person must have a lawyer to file for divorce. Even though it is easier to arrange a divorce case with legal representation, as lawyers are familiar with the family laws and court rules, more and more couples prefer to file a divorce 'Pro Se,' i.e., on their own.

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What is divorce in Indiana?

In Indiana, the court refers to any divorce proceeding as a "dissolution of marriage.". If you want to end your marriage in Indiana, this article provides a general overview of the process.

How many grounds can you file for divorce in Indiana?

If you choose to file a fault-based complaint, Indiana provides just three grounds, which include insanity, impotence, or a felony conviction. (IN Code § 31-15-2-3 (2018.)) Regardless of which type of divorce you pursue, at least one party must have lived in Indiana for a minimum of six months and in the county of filing for three months ...

What is the service of process for divorce?

" Service of process " notifies your spouse that you have filed for divorce and provides your spouse an opportunity to file an answer, counterclaim, or both.

What should be included in a divorce agreement?

Your agreement should address all the items in your divorce petition, including the distribution of assets and debts. If you have children, you must also file a parenting plan that designates which parent will have custody and how each side will exercise visitation.

How to serve your spouse in Indiana?

Indiana law allows you to serve your spouse via certified mail, private process server, or sheriff's service. (IN Code § 31-15-2-8 (2018.)) After you have served the documents, you and your spouse can try to work out an agreement on all of your divorce-related issues, which typically include: alimony.

What is confidential information in Indiana?

Indiana defines confidential information as: Social Security numbers. bank account numbers. tax records.

Is Indiana a no fault divorce state?

Indiana is generally known as a "no-fault divorce" state. However, state law provides for limited fault-based grounds. Most divorcing couples choose a no-fault divorce because it doesn't require you to get into all the reasons the marriage didn't work out.

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Warnings

If you need a protective order, you must file for that separately from divorce. You can pick up a form from the clerk's office.

About This Article

This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006. This article has been viewed 70,547 times.

How long have you lived in Indiana for divorce?

This form packet may be helpful for spouses that want to ask the court for a divorce AND#N#1. One or both spouses have lived in Indiana for the last six months; and#N#2. One or both spouses have lived in their current county for at least the past three months; and#N#3. The spouses have biological or adopted minor children together; and#N#4. The spouses have an agreement on custody, parenting time and how property (including housing, cars and retirement accounts) and debts should be divided.

What is a motion to dismiss divorce?

1. The spouse asking for the court to dismiss the divorce is the also the spouse that filed the divorce (is the Petitioner); and. 2. The court has not yet granted the divorce. These Motion to Dismiss forms can be printed and completed with handwritten answers, or they can be filled out on the computer and then printed.

Can a divorce agreement be printed?

The spouses have an agreement on custody, parenting time and how property (including housing, cars and retirement accounts) and debts should be divided. These Divorce With Children and With Agreement forms can be printed and completed with handwritten answers, or they can be filled out on the computer and then printed.

Can a spouse have a custody agreement?

The spouses DO NOT HAVE an agreement on custody, parenting time and/or how property and debts should be divided. These Divorce With Children and Without Agreement forms can be printed and completed with handwritten answers, or they can be filled out on the computer and then printed.

Can a divorce without children be completed?

The spouses DO NOT HAVE an agreement on how property and debts should be divided. These Divorce Without Children and Without Agreement forms can be printed and completed with handwritten answers, or they can be filled out on the computer and then printed.

What is an uncontested divorce in Indiana?

Uncontested divorce is sometimes known as "divorce with agreement on all issues.". The name explains it all. To get an uncontested divorce in Indiana, you'll need to agree with your spouse on how you will deal with: if you have minor children, custody, parenting time (visitation), and child support.

How long do you have to live in Indiana to get divorce?

You or your spouse must have been living in the state (or stationed there in the military) for the six-month period immediately before you file for a dissolution of marriage.

Why is it important to keep track of your case number?

It's important to keep track of your case number because it should be included on any documents filed later in your case. The petitioner must properly serve the divorce paperwork on the other spouse (the "respondent"), unless the respondent files a service waiver form with the court.

What is the main form for dissolution of marriage?

That means that one of you (the "petitioner") will file the initial forms. On the main form, the "petition for dissolution of marriage," you will provide basic information about you and your spouse, as well as any children of your marriage who are younger than 21 or are incapacitated.

Is divorce painful in Indiana?

Divorce (known as a dissolution of marriage in Indiana) doesn't have to be painful. If you and your spouse are willing to take the high road through compromise and working out your differences, you can have a relatively peaceful, quick divorce in Indiana.

Can you request a bifurcated divorce?

If you and your spouse have reached a partial agreement—on your own or with the help of lawyers and/or mediation —you may be able to request a "bifurcated divorce.". In a bifurcated divorce, a judge will review your partial settlement agreement to ensure it's fair and serves the best interests of any minor children.

Can you get divorce if you have minor children?

if you have minor children, custody, parenting time (visitation), and child support. If the two of you can't come to an agreement on any of these issues, you can't get an uncontested divorce. Instead, a judge will decide any contested issues in your case at trial.

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