Indianapolis Divorce Lawyers

Last updated on July 22, 2026

Everything changes after a divorce. As experienced divorce attorneys serving the Indianapolis metro and across the state, we take great pride in working with clients to help with these changes. Our holistic approach means that we don’t let any issue slip through the cracks with your divorce and keep you informed every step of the way.

At the Indiana family law firm of Hocker Law, LLC, we understand the importance of making such a big change in your life. You can depend on an Indianapolis divorce lawyer from our law firm. We have years of experience handling all aspects of divorce proceedings in Indiana. Talk to one of our knowledgeable divorce attorneys today. Rachel A. East and John Arak will give your case the attention it deserves.

When you hire us, you can rest easy knowing your concerns about your divorce will receive our full attention. Our firm has a full legal staff to work with you as a team from start to finish.

We are based in Indianapolis but can help families navigate their divorce matters throughout central Indiana.

Why Hire An Indianapolis Divorce Lawyer From Hocker Law, LLC?

We bridge the gap between legal jargon and full understanding by:

• Covering all facets of divorce: Our attorneys address all your concerns with tailored solutions.
• Negotiating with strategy and experience: We resolve disputes amicably to reduce unnecessary conflict while protecting your interests.
• Standing with you in court: Our trial attorneys are fully prepared to fight for your rights in court.

By consulting with us, you can fully understand the options available to you and the legal implications of a wide range of issues involved in a divorce.

What Are Common Legal Issues Involving Divorce In Indiana?

Filing for divorce in Indiana can raise a whole host of issues that need to be carefully considered. When you are represented by Hocker Law, LLC, we will help you address each one of them. Some of the most common issues we work with clients on during divorce include:

• Child custody and parenting time
• Spousal maintenance (Indiana’s form of alimony)
• Businesses owned by one or both spouses
• Retirement accounts and pensions
• High-asset divorce
• Relocation disputes
• Post-divorce modifications
• Enforcement and contempt proceedings
• Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
• Child support
• Property and debt division

We can also address your concerns about estate planning, real estate and financial aid for your child’s education.

What Are The Different Processes For Getting A Divorce In Indiana?

Indiana has many rules and regulations covering divorce, which is officially referred to as dissolution of marriage in Indiana. These rules can be found in Indiana Code, Title 31, Article 15 of the Family Law and Juvenile Law section concerning “Dissolution of Marriage and Legal Separation.” There are a number of different approaches to obtaining a divorce, which can include:

• Collaborative divorce: This divorce process involves both spouses working with a jointly chosen team of professionals out of court to resolve many of the issues that often come up during divorce proceedings. However, if the two spouses cannot resolve their differences through the collaborative divorce process, lawyers hired during the collaborative process must withdraw from the case and the couple must start the process over in court. Couples often choose to pursue a collaborative divorce since it can cost them less money and be less acrimonious if they can resolve their issues during the collaborative process. We help clients preserve relationships by guiding them through a team-based framework.
• Uncontested divorce: This divorce process involves both spouses agreeing on all issues related to the dissolution of the marriage. Instead of litigation, both spouses simply file a settlement agreement with the court that has jurisdiction over the divorce. If the couple has children, both spouses must also file a separate parenting plan with the court as part of an uncontested divorce. Our team reviews all documents to verify if they are fair and comply with state laws.
• Contested divorce: This divorce process involves disputes between spouses who cannot agree on important issues related to the dissolution of the marriage. This type of divorce proceeding can be highly contentious and time-consuming, requiring a court trial to decide important issues such as child custody or how the couple’s assets should be divided. That said, even a “contested” divorce isn’t always acrimonious, and it is often possible to reach a settlement through negotiation or mediation. Our lawyers can negotiate and advocate for clients during a trial if needed.
• Legal separation: While not the same as divorce, some married couples in Indiana decide to pursue a legal separation. Legally, the couple is still married. However, like a divorce, a legal separation involves requesting a court to rule on issues such as spousal support and child custody. If the couple later decides to get a divorce, the couple must ask the court to convert their legal separation agreement into a divorce agreement. Our team drafts separation agreements that establish boundaries.

Individual spouses and couples have a lot to think about and many options to consider in Indiana if they want to dissolve their marriage. This is why it’s important to talk to an experienced divorce lawyer familiar with Indiana’s unique rules and regulations governing the dissolution of a marriage.

Regardless of the path you choose to end the marriage, the attorneys of Hocker Law, LLC, are equipped to handle your case. We will be your strategic negotiators or assertive litigators.

How Does The Divorce Process Work In Indiana?

There are many steps that need to be strictly followed when filing for divorce in Indiana. Such steps include:

• File a “petition for dissolution of marriage” with the clerk of the court in the county where at least one spouse has resided for at least three months.
• Since Indiana is a no-fault divorce state, one spouse often files for divorce on the grounds that the marriage is “irretrievably broken.” The other spouse cannot block a filing for a no-fault divorce.
• The petition must be legally served through certified mail, sheriff service or a private process server. If a spouse has disappeared, the court permits a “service by publication” in the local newspaper. As for uncontested divorces, the responding spouse can sign a “waiver of service of summons.”
• The court will schedule a hearing to discuss the petition for dissolution of marriage, address any urgent issues and schedule future hearings.
• In order for the court to finalize the divorce and grant a summary dissolution decree without a final hearing, a verified pleading, signed by both parties, must be filed with the court.
• A couple must observe the 60-day waiting period. Provisional hearings may occur before this window, but they are not the final hearing that ends the marriage.
• If a couple has filed for legal separation, it does not convert into a divorce. Indiana law requires a new petition filing. If a separation is still pending in court, a spouse can file a petition to supersede it.

This is a rough outline for most divorce proceedings in Indiana. Each divorce is different and presents its own unique challenges. Therefore, it is important to consult with an experienced divorce attorney as soon as possible to learn more about your legal options.

Timeline For The Divorce Process In Indiana

Once one spouse or the couple jointly decides to file for divorce in Indiana, there are certain deadlines and timelines that must be strictly followed in order for the divorce to be finalized. Such timelines and deadlines include:

• At least one spouse must be a legal resident of Indiana for at least six months prior to filing the petition in order to file for divorce in Indiana.
• At least one spouse must be a legal resident of the specific county where the case is filed for at least three months prior to filing the petition.
• After the court receives a petition for dissolution of marriage, there is a 60-day waiting period before the court will finalize a divorce. The 60-day waiting period applies even if both spouses agree to all issues related to the divorce.

It’s important to be prepared and not miss any deadlines when filing for divorce or responding to a request from your spouse to dissolve your marriage. This is why it’s critical that individuals talk to an attorney as early as possible in any divorce proceeding.

How Is Property Divided In An Indiana Divorce?

In Indiana, the courts operate under a legal presumption that an equal (50/50) division of all marital assets and debts is fair and reasonable. However, a judge may adjust this split if a party presents evidence showing that an equal division would not be fair.

Under the Indiana Family Code, the court evaluates the following specific statutory factors when deciding property division:

• Contributions of each spouse: The financial and non-financial contributions of each spouse to the marriage.

• Property origin: How and when the property was acquired (including gifts or inheritances).

• Economic circumstances: The financial condition and economic circumstances of each spouse.

• Earning ability: The earning capacity and overall financial situation of each party.

• Custodial arrangements: Which parent has primary physical custody of any children, especially regarding who keeps the family home.

With multiple factors at play, we want to ensure that property division remains fair throughout the divorce proceedings. Our team will help you identify and disclose your current financial situation.

How Can An Experienced Indianapolis Divorce Attorney From Hocker Law, LLC, Help With Your Case?

We alleviate the stress of divorce by:

• Absorbing conflict: We manage communications with your spouse and their attorney.
• Drafting flexible parenting plans: We build a scheduling plan that addresses your work shifts.
• Addressing financial concerns: We uncover and value assets thoroughly to promote equitable distribution of assets, child support and spousal maintenance.

No matter how unique the challenges you face in divorce, we are here for you.

Schedule A Consultation With An Indianapolis Divorce Attorney

Make a fresh start. Contact our team at Hocker Law, LLC, and discover how we can help you. Call us at 317-743-9722 and schedule a free consultation with our law firm.