Indiana Divorce Laws -
What to Expect When Help Yourself Divorce Prepares Your Indiana Divorce

 

Grounds for Divorce.
In order to file for divorce, you must tell the court why you want a divorce. The legal reason why you are filing for divorce is known as the "grounds" for divorce. Because we are a no-fault divorce service, Help Yourself Divorce will prepare your papers based on the no-fault grounds of irretrievable breakdown of the marriage.

 

Residency Requirements.
In order to file for divorce in Indiana, at least one of the parties must have been a resident of Indiana, or stationed at a United States military installation within Indiana, for at least 6 months, AND a resident of the county where the divorce papers are filed, or stationed at a United States military installation within the county where the divorce papers are filed, for at least 3 months.

If you and your spouse have minor children, the court must have jurisdiction over them. Generally this means your children must have lived in Indiana for at least six months and currently live in Indiana, or have lived in Indiana within six months of filing.

 

Filing for Divorce.
You should file for divorce in the Indiana county either where you live, or where your spouse lives.

 

Service.
After filing the divorce papers with the court, the clerk of the court will "serve" your spouse with the papers. This is either done by certified mail or Sheriff.

 

Waiting Period/Finalizing Your Divorce.
There is a 60 day waiting period in Indiana after filing the divorce papers before your divorce can be finalized. In Indiana, you are allowed to waive the final hearing if both spouses agree in writing. We will provide you with this form so that neither party will have to attend a hearing. The judge will simply review your paperwork, sign the final decree, and mail it back to you. You will know your divorce is final when you receive the signed decree back from the judge.

 

 

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IMPORTANT: Help Yourself Divorce is a paralegal service, not a law firm. Seek help from an attorney if you need legal advice.