Indiana Dissolution of Marriage Timeline — How Long Does It Take? (2026)

Indiana's 60-day waiting period is the fixed floor — the dissolution cannot be granted before Day 61 from filing. Beyond that, timeline depends on cooperation level and court scheduling.

Overview: Total Timeline

Indiana is generally faster than many states due to the fixed 60-day period and relatively streamlined self-help process for agreed cases.

Stage-by-Stage: Agreed Dissolution

Stage 1 — Pre-Filing Preparation

Duration: 1–4 weeks

Gather financials for both spouses. Inventory all property including pre-marital assets and inheritances. Negotiate the Settlement Agreement. Complete child support worksheets if applicable.

Stage 2 — Filing

Duration: 1 day

File the Verified Petition and (ideally) the Settlement Agreement at the Circuit or Superior Court. Pay $131–$176 filing fee. Note the filing date — 60-day clock starts.

Stage 3 — The Mandatory 60-Day Waiting Period

Duration: 60 days (mandatory — cannot be waived)

The dissolution cannot be entered before Day 61. No exceptions.

Use this time to:

• Finalize and execute the Settlement Agreement if not yet signed
• Complete Child Support Worksheet
• Schedule the final hearing (for any date on or after Day 61)
• Obtain property valuations if needed

Stage 4 — Final Hearing

Duration: 30–90 minutes

Both parties typically appear. The judge reviews:

• The Verified Petition
• The Settlement Agreement
• Child Support Worksheet (if children)
• Any other required documents

The judge approves and enters the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage. The dissolution is final immediately upon entry of the Decree.

Stage 5 — Post-Dissolution Steps

Duration: 2–8 weeks depending on complexity

Deed transfers, QDRO, name change, beneficiary updates.

Stage-by-Stage: Contested Dissolution

Stage 1 — Filing and Service: 1–3 weeks

Stage 2 — Respondent's Response: 3–4 weeks after service

Stage 3 — Provisional Orders: 1–4 weeks after response

Stage 4 — Discovery: 2–6 months

Stage 5 — Mediation or Settlement Conferences: 1–3 months

Stage 6 — Trial (if unresolved): 1–3 days of hearings, scheduled 6–18 months after filing

Stage 7 — Decree of Dissolution: entered at conclusion of trial or settlement approval

Provisional Orders During the Dissolution

In contested cases (and some agreed cases), either party can request provisional orders at the outset for temporary arrangements during the pending dissolution:

• Temporary custody and parenting time — who cares for the children while the case is pending
• Temporary child support — calculated per Indiana Guidelines
• Temporary spousal maintenance — if statutory grounds exist
• Temporary use and possession of the marital home
• Temporary restraining orders — prohibiting dissipation of assets or harassment

Provisional orders are entered quickly (sometimes the same day) and remain in effect until modified or until the Decree of Dissolution is entered.

What Causes Delays

Last reviewed: March 2026 | 60-day waiting period is non-waivable | Provisional orders available for temporary custody and support | courts.in.gov/selfservice

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.