Indiana Divorce Filing Fee (2026)

Filing for divorce in Indiana costs

$157

base filing fee, paid to the court

$40Sheriff service

$25Children surcharge

$197Est. total (with service)

LegalCostCalculator Editorial Team Data sourced from official government websites · Created May 2026 · Reviewed and verified May 2026

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Divorce Court Costs in Indiana

Filing for divorce in Indiana requires paying a base filing fee of $157 to the court. This fee opens your case and is paid by the petitioner (the spouse filing first).

Indiana requires a parenting class when minor children are involved. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be completed before the divorce is finalized.

Service of Process in Indiana

After filing, you must legally serve your spouse with the divorce papers:

Sheriff / constable: $40
Private process server: $80

Indiana counties set their own fees within state guidelines. Indiana is among the more affordable Midwest states for divorce filing.

Uncontested divorce saves thousands

If both spouses agree on property division, custody, and support, an uncontested divorce avoids attorney fees entirely. Court costs are typically the only expense — often under $500 total.

Fee waiver available

If you can't afford the $157 filing fee, ask the clerk for an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application. Most Indiana courts waive fees for filers below 125–200% of the federal poverty level.

Source: Indiana official court website ↗

Frequently Asked Questions — Indiana Divorce

How much does it cost to file for divorce in Indiana?

Filing for divorce in Indiana costs $157 for the base court filing fee. Add $40 for sheriff service of process, bringing the estimated court total to $197. If minor children are involved, a $25 children's surcharge also applies. This is the court cost only — attorney fees are additional and vary widely.

What is the divorce filing fee in Indiana?

The Indiana divorce filing fee is $157. This is a one-time fee paid to the court clerk when the petitioner files the initial divorce petition. The fee must be paid before the court will process your case.

How can I get the divorce filing fee waived in Indiana?

To get the divorce filing fee waived in Indiana, file an In Forma Pauperis (IFP) application with the court at the same time as your divorce petition. You must demonstrate that your household income falls below 125–200% of the federal poverty level. If you receive public benefits like Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI, you likely qualify automatically. A judge — not the clerk — must approve the waiver.

Does Indiana require a parenting class for divorce?

Yes — Indiana requires divorcing parents with minor children to complete a court-approved parenting class before the divorce is finalized. The class covers the impact of divorce on children and co-parenting strategies. Fees typically range from $30–$75 and must be paid directly to the approved provider.

How long does a divorce take in Indiana?

An uncontested divorce in Indiana where both spouses agree on all terms can be finalized in as little as 1–3 months, depending on the court's schedule and any mandatory waiting periods. A contested divorce — involving disputes over property, custody, or support — typically takes 6–18 months or longer. After filing, most states require a mandatory waiting period before a judge can sign the final decree.

Can I file for divorce online in Indiana?

Many Indiana courts allow you to download and print divorce forms from their websites, but in-person filing at the courthouse is still required. For uncontested divorces, online services can prepare all the paperwork you then file locally.

Divorce Filing Fees by County in Indiana

Fees vary by county in Indiana. Select a county for exact costs, court address, and filing instructions.

Browse all counties across all states

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