Pulaski County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Pulaski County in 2026
PulaskiCountyRecords.us provides access to data and publicly available information related to divorce records in Pulaski County. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, docket entries, party names, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories may include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, property division orders, child custody determinations, and spousal support orders. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the age of the case and applicable privacy protections.
Divorce records in Pulaski County may be searched through official resources including clerk of court offices, public access terminals at the courthouse, state court portals, and online case management systems. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Pulaski County Circuit Clerk maintains an online case search portal where members of the public may search divorce and dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Virginia Court System provides a statewide case information portal that allows searches across multiple jurisdictions. This consolidated database is particularly useful when the county of filing is uncertain or when records span multiple circuits.
3. State Vital Records
The Office of Vital Records – Virginia Department of Health maintains divorce records for the Commonwealth of Virginia. As noted by the Virginia Department of Health, "Virginia birth and death records from 1912 to the present, divorce records since 1918, and marriage records since 1936 are now available." Certified divorce certificates may be obtained through this office for a fee.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court – Family Division:
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office
52 W. Main Street
Pulaski, VA 24301
Phone: (540) 980-7825
Pulaski County Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
Historical and archived divorce cases may be stored separately from active files. Cases predating electronic filing systems may exist only in paper format and may require additional retrieval time. Staff can assist in locating archived records upon request.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's Office, 52 W. Main Street, Pulaski, VA 24301
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and record age.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (540) 980-7825
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney of record may access the complete case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view. Attorneys may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex records requests may consult the Virginia State Bar's lawyer referral service for professional guidance.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year or date of divorce
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Pulaski County
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are filed in the circuit court of the county or city where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing location may need to search multiple jurisdictions. A divorce may not be filed in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resides there.
Residency Requirement:
Under Virginia law, at least one party must have been a bona fide resident and domiciliary of the Commonwealth for a minimum of six months prior to filing. The divorce is filed in the circuit court of the county or independent city where that party resides.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are processed within days to weeks of the court's entry of the final decree.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic records systems may be archived in paper format.
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
- Some older records may not be digitized and must be accessed in person.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The divorce was filed in a different county or independent city
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case has not yet been finalized and remains pending
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (540) 980-7825 to request assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Virginia Department of Health vital records portal for a divorce certificate
What Are Pulaski County Divorce Records?
Pulaski County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Pulaski County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the permanent family law court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as public records subject to applicable access restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files
The complete case file includes all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans and custody agreements
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree
The final decree of divorce is the official court order that legally dissolves the marriage. It serves as the primary legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Alimony or spousal support terms, if any
- Child custody and visitation arrangements, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court and are required for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, and certain legal proceedings.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan attachments
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records
Legal Purposes:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes with government agencies
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security and federal benefits determinations
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records
Clerk of Court:
The Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all divorce case files. The Clerk's office indexes records by the names of both parties, maintains the complete case file, and provides certified copies upon request.
State Vital Records Office:
The Virginia Department of Health – Blue Ridge District also maintains divorce certificates for events recorded within its jurisdiction. As stated by the Virginia Department of Health, "All Vital records can also be obtained from the Virginia Department [of Health]." These certificates provide summary information and are distinct from the complete court case file.
Legal Framework
Divorce proceedings in Virginia are governed by Virginia Code § 20-91, which sets forth the grounds for divorce, and by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, Virginia Code § 2.2-3700 et seq., which establishes the public's right of access to government records. Privacy protections for sensitive information within family law files are addressed through court rules and applicable statutory provisions.
Are Pulaski County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Pulaski County Circuit Court are public court records under Virginia law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within divorce files are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal data.
Public Access Policy
What Is Public:
- Case number and date of filing
- Full names of both parties
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information concerning children
- Child custody evaluations may be sealed by court order
- Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a divorce file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Virginia law and are not part of the public record.
Legal Basis for Public Access
The Virginia Freedom of Information Act, § 2.2-3700, establishes a presumption of public access to government records, including court filings. Restrictions on access require a specific legal basis and are applied narrowly to preserve the principle of open courts.
Who Can Access Records
General Public:
- May access most case information and docket entries
- May obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- May be required to present identification at the clerk's window
Parties to the Case:
- Retain full access to their own case file
- May obtain all documents, including those restricted from general public view
- No additional showing is required for access to one's own records
Attorneys:
- May access case files on behalf of clients
- May petition the court for access to sealed records upon a showing of good cause
Researchers and Media:
- May access the public portions of divorce files
- Court permission is required to access sealed records
- First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on court proceedings
Restrictions on Use
Access to divorce records is subject to prohibitions on use for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Pulaski County?
The Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with the Virginia Code. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Inspection of public records | No charge |
| Photocopies (paper) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $2.00 per document plus copy fees |
| Exemplified (triple-certified) copy | $4.00 plus copy fees |
| Divorce certificate (via VDH) | $12.00 per certified copy |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies by document |
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Clerk of Court. Credit card acceptance varies; members of the public are advised to confirm accepted payment methods prior to visiting.
- Fees for copies obtained through the Virginia Department of Health vital records office are set separately and are subject to change.
- Fee waivers are not broadly available for divorce record copies; however, parties who are indigent and represented by legal aid may request fee accommodations through the court.
- Under Virginia Code § 17.1-275, the fees charged by circuit court clerks for copies and certifications are established by statute and apply uniformly across the Commonwealth.
- Basic case information viewed on public access terminals at the courthouse is available at no charge.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Pulaski County
A complete divorce case file maintained by the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through post-judgment actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the case was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information
Case Caption:
- Assigned case number
- Name of the court and division
- Petitioner and respondent names
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
Filing Information:
- Date the petition was filed
- Filing fees paid
- Case type designation (divorce/dissolution)
- Basis for jurisdiction
Initial Pleadings
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Full identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Grounds for divorce as stated by the petitioner
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding marital property and debt
- Requests for spousal support, child support, and custody
- Relief sought from the court
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Detailed income information from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Complete asset inventory including real property, vehicles, financial accounts, and personal property
- Complete liability inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
Discovery Documents
- Tax returns for recent years
- Pay stubs and employer verification
- Bank and investment account statements
- Retirement account statements
- Business financial records, if applicable
- Written interrogatories and sworn answers
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Deposition transcripts, if taken
Property-Related Documents
- Inventory of all marital and separate assets with estimated values
- Inventory of all marital debts and liabilities
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Personal property appraisals
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (If Applicable)
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody designation (sole or joint decision-making authority)
- Physical custody and primary residence designation
- Regular timesharing schedule
- Holiday, school break, and summer schedules
- Transportation and exchange arrangements
- Provisions for parental communication
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income figures for both parties
- Number of overnight stays with each parent
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Amount of support ordered and payment schedule
- Income deduction order, if applicable
Custody Evaluations (If Ordered):
- Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
- Home study findings
- Parenting assessments and recommendations
- These documents may be sealed by court order
Guardian ad Litem Reports (If Appointed):
- Attorney for the children's findings
- Best interests analysis and recommendations
Support Documents
Alimony/Spousal Support:
- Type of support awarded (temporary, rehabilitative, durational, or other)
- Monthly amount and duration
- Payment schedule and method
- Conditions for modification or termination
- Tax treatment provisions
Settlement Documents
Marital Settlement Agreement:
- Comprehensive written agreement resolving all contested issues
- Real and personal property distribution to each party
- Debt allocation between parties
- Spousal support terms
- Child-related provisions, if applicable
- Attorney fee allocation
- Signatures of both parties and notarization
Mediation Agreement (If Applicable):
- Terms reached through mediation
- Mediator identification
- Incorporation into the final judgment
Court Orders and Judgments
Temporary Orders:
- Temporary custody and visitation
- Temporary support obligations
- Temporary use and possession of marital residence
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
Final Judgment of Dissolution:
- Court's definitive order dissolving the marriage
- Date of legal dissolution
- Findings of fact and conclusions of law
- Complete property division awards
- Debt allocation orders
- Spousal support orders
- Child custody, timesharing, and support orders
- Name restoration order, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO):
- Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits
- Instructions to the plan administrator
- Issued when retirement accounts are part of the property division
Post-Judgment Documents (If Applicable)
- Petitions to modify custody, visitation, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and orders for non-compliance
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Liens filed against property for unpaid support
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public copies)
- Financial account numbers (redacted)
- Addresses and school information for minor children
- Domestic violence allegations and evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health evaluations and records
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Trade secrets within business valuations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How Information Is Organized
Documents within the case file are maintained in chronological order of filing. Each document is assigned a filing date and appears in the case docket in the sequence received. The docket serves as the index to the complete file. Recent cases are maintained in electronic format; older cases may exist in paper or hybrid format.
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Pulaski County
Proof of divorce in Pulaski County is obtained through either the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's office or the Virginia Department of Health, depending on the level of detail required.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Court):
A certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage is the most comprehensive form of proof and is issued directly by the Clerk of Court. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Visiting the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 52 W. Main Street, Pulaski, VA 24301, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)
- Submitting a written request by mail with the names of both parties, the approximate year of divorce, the case number if known, and payment of applicable fees
- Requesting through the Virginia Court System online portal where electronic certified copies are available for qualifying cases
Divorce Certificate (State Vital Records):
A divorce certificate issued by the Office of Vital Records – Virginia Department of Health provides summary proof of the dissolution event and is accepted for many administrative purposes. This certificate may be ordered online, by mail, or in person through the VDH. The Blue Ridge District Health Department also provides access to vital records for events filed within its service area.
Virginia Department of Health – Office of Vital Records
P.O. Box 1000
Richmond, VA 23218
Phone: (804) 662-6200
Office of Vital Records
The Virginia Judicial System Court Self-Help resource provides guidance on divorce proceedings, including information on obtaining documentation following a final decree. As described by the Virginia Judicial System, a divorce proceeding may address matters including "end the marriage, reinstate a former name, divide property and debt, support of a spouse, support of a child, custody and visitation."
Members of the public who require proof of divorce for immigration, federal benefits, or Social Security purposes are advised to obtain a certified copy of the final decree from the Clerk of Court, as this document carries the court's official seal and signature.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Pulaski County?
A divorce proceeding in Pulaski County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While the default rule under Virginia law is that court records are open to public inspection, the circuit court retains authority to seal records or restrict access upon a proper showing.
The following categories of information within a divorce file may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing addresses, contact information, or evidence related to domestic violence victims may be restricted to protect the safety of the parties involved.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, school information, and psychological evaluations of minor children are subject to heightened protection and may be redacted or sealed.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical history submitted as exhibits may be sealed by court order.
- Mediation communications: Under Virginia law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not part of the public record.
- Sealed cases: A party may file a motion requesting that the entire case file or specific documents be sealed. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in open records against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Financial account information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible copies pursuant to court rules.
Requests to seal divorce records are governed by the Virginia Rules of Supreme Court and applicable provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act, § 2.2-3705.1, which identifies categories of records that may be withheld from public disclosure.
How Long Does Pulaski County Keep Divorce Records?
Pulaski County Circuit Court divorce records are retained for extended periods in accordance with the Virginia Public Records Act and the Library of Virginia's records retention schedules for circuit court clerks.
The following retention periods apply to divorce-related records:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. Final orders dissolving a marriage are part of the permanent court record and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files: Circuit court case files, including all pleadings, orders, and exhibits, are retained for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case for most civil matters. Family law cases involving children may be retained longer.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; may be purged from the active file after a set number of years while the final order is preserved permanently.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Retention schedules for Virginia circuit court records are established by the Library of Virginia under the authority of the Virginia Public Records Act, § 42.1-76 et seq. Members of the public seeking records from cases closed many years ago should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm availability and retrieval procedures for archived materials.