Instructions for Filing a Pro-Se Petition for Dissolution of Marriage in Miami County, Indiana

Notice: This information is not intended to be the issuance of legal advice.

The Miami County Clerk's Office does not have available a form of the Petition for Dissolution. Any law library should be able to provide books that would enable a person to research the law to know what language the Petition for Dissolution should contain. Should legal assistance be required, please seek the advice of an attorney. For more information, visit the State Judiciary Website.

A Petition for Dissolution of Marriage must be typewritten on 8 1/2 x 11 inch white paper.

An original and three (3) copies are required to be filed with the Clerk at the Civil Filing desk. The original petition must be verified.

A Domestic Relations Appearance Form must be completed and filed at the same time the petition is filed.

A Domestic Relations Summons must be furnished with the filing of the petition. An original and three (3) copies are to be filed with the Clerk at the Civil Filing desk. The summons form is available in the Miami County Clerk's Office or you may print a copy from this web site.

There are four (4) forms, one of which must be notarized. The fee for publication is paid separately from the petition. It is the responsibility of the Petitioner to pay the costs directly to the newspaper designated by Petitioner to publish the summons.

The petition and summons must be accompanied by a filing fee of One Hundred Thirty-Two Dollars ($132.00) if served by certified mail or One Hundred Forty-Five Dollars ($145.00) if served by the Sheriff.  All fees must be paid in cash or money order to the Miami County Clerk.

Any other papers accompanying the petition, such as additional motions, etc., must be filed directly with the court after the petition has been filed with the Clerk.

Once the petition has been filed the court will require the parties to wait a minimum of sixty (60) days before considering the petition for a final hearing. A notarized original and three (3) copies of all forms must be submitted.

For dissolution of marriage without children, certain requirements other than the above exist.  A additional fee of $60.00 is required for the purpose of parent counseling.  Other factors also exist, such as child custody issues and child support.  It is always advisable to seek the advise of an attorney.

Notice: This information is not intended to be the issuance of legal advice.