Divorce in Indiana: Costs, Laws, and Calculators (2026)

Everything you need to understand the financial reality of divorce in Indiana. State-specific costs, formulas, and free calculators.

Avg. uncontested
$1,200 - $4,000
Avg. contested
$9,000 - $30,000
Typical timeline
3 - 11 months
DCE State Score
65 / 100

Indiana divorces typically cost 50% less than the national average of $12,900.

Indiana keeps divorce costs and court fees among the lowest in the country, with a 60-day waiting period.

Indiana is an equitable distribution state and uses the Income Shares model for child support, the most common approach nationally. The state imposes a 60-day waiting period from the filing date before a divorce can be finalized, which gives couples time to settle terms. Costs here sit well below the national norm: filing fees run roughly $157 to $176, attorney rates fall between $175 and $350 per hour, and a contested case typically lands between $9,000 and $30,000. Indiana is primarily a no-fault state but also keeps limited fault grounds on the books.

Key Fact

Indiana's filing fee runs about $157 to $176, and a typical uncontested divorce costs $1,200 to $4,000, putting the state among the more affordable in the country.

Recent Development

Indiana continues to apply the Income Shares child support model and its long-standing 60-day waiting period. These elements of the framework have held steady, so the main variable in an Indiana divorce remains whether the case is contested, not shifting statutory rules.

Indiana Divorce Quick Facts

Verified statutory data, attorney rates, and procedural rules for Indiana.

Property division system
Equitable Distribution (judicial discretion)
Alimony formula type
Judicial Discretion
Child support formula
Income Shares Model
Mandatory waiting period
60 days
Residency requirement
180 days
Mediation required
No
Equal parenting presumption
No
Fault divorce available
Yes
Collaborative divorce available
Yes
Filing fee range
$157 - $176
Attorney hourly rates
$175 - $350/hour
Data last verified
January 1, 2025

DCE State Score Breakdown

Our proprietary index ranks every state on cost, complexity, and timeline. Higher is more favorable.

Overall DCE State Score

65/ 100

A score of 65 means Indiana is roughly average in terms of divorce cost and complexity.

Cost Score

29/ 40

Based on filing fees, attorney rates, and total typical costs in Indiana.

Complexity Score

22/ 30

Reflects judicial discretion, mandatory mediation, and procedural hurdles.

Timeline Score

14/ 30

Driven by waiting periods and average case duration from filing to decree.

Divorce Calculators for Indiana

All 15 calculators preconfigured with Indiana statutory data.

Indiana Divorce Laws Overview

Property Division

Indiana uses equitable distribution to divide marital property. This does not mean equal, it means fair, based on the circumstances. Judges consider factors including each spouse's income and earning capacity, contributions to the marriage, length of the marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse. Outcomes can vary significantly from case to case.

Spousal Support (Alimony)

Indiana judges have broad discretion in setting alimony awards. There is no statutory formula. Courts weigh a set of statutory factors including: length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, financial resources of each spouse. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific facts of your case.

Child Support

Indiana uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.

Custody and Parenting Time

Indiana courts determine custody based on the best interests of the child. While there is no statutory presumption of equal time, courts generally favor arrangements that allow both parents meaningful involvement in the child's life.

This estimate is for planning purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult a licensed family law attorney in your state for guidance specific to your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a divorce cost in Indiana?
An uncontested divorce in Indiana typically costs $1,200 - $4,000. Contested cases run $9,000 - $30,000, depending on attorney involvement, custody disputes, and the complexity of the marital estate. Court filing fees alone are $157 - $176.
How long does a divorce take in Indiana?
Indiana requires a 60-day waiting period after filing. Uncontested cases finalize in roughly 3 months on average, while contested cases take about 11 months from filing to final decree.
How is property divided in Indiana?
Indiana uses equitable distribution. Marital assets are divided based on what the court considers fair, not necessarily equal. Judges weigh income, contributions, length of marriage, and the economic circumstances of each spouse.
How is child support calculated in Indiana?
Indiana uses the Income Shares Model. Indiana uses the Income Shares Model for child support. Both parents' gross incomes are combined, the total support obligation is determined from a guideline table, and each parent's share is proportional to their share of the combined income. The paying parent pays their share to the receiving parent.
How is alimony determined in Indiana?
Indiana alimony follows a judicial discretion approach. Indiana judges have broad discretion in setting alimony awards. There is no statutory formula. Courts weigh a set of statutory factors including: length of the marriage, each spouse's earning capacity, standard of living during the marriage, financial resources of each spouse. This means outcomes can vary significantly depending on the judge and the specific facts of your case.

Divorce Costs in Nearby States

See all 50 states