Find Divorce Decree Records in Pulaski County
Pulaski County divorce decree records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in the town of Pulaski, Virginia. If you need to look up a divorce case, request a certified copy of a final decree, or confirm the details of a past filing, the clerk's office is the right place to start. The county has roughly 34,000 residents and sits in the New River Valley in southwest Virginia. All divorce filings for county residents go through the Pulaski County Circuit Court. The Virginia Department of Health also holds divorce certificates for cases where a final order was entered, but full case records stay on file at the courthouse.
Pulaski County Overview
Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk
The Circuit Court Clerk in Pulaski is the official custodian of all divorce records for the county. The clerk's office handles new filings, stores case files, and provides certified copies of final decrees when requested. If you need to find a divorce case from Pulaski County or get a copy of any court document, this is the office to contact.
Pulaski County is part of Virginia's 27th Judicial Circuit, which covers the New River Valley area. The courthouse in the town of Pulaski handles all civil and family law cases for county residents. The city of Radford, although surrounded by Pulaski County, is an independent city with its own separate court system. County residents file in Pulaski; Radford city residents file in Radford Circuit Court.
| Office | Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Pulaski County Courthouse 45 Third Street NW Pulaski, VA 24301 |
| Phone | (540) 980-7825 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Circuit Court Directory | vacourts.gov |
How to Search Pulaski County Divorce Records
Searching for divorce records in Pulaski County can be done online, in person, or by mail. The online statewide search gives you quick access to basic case information at no charge. For certified copies of the actual decree, you must contact the clerk directly. Visiting in person is the fastest way to view a file and walk out with copies the same day.
Virginia's statewide online case search lets you look up cases by party name or case number. The results show filing date, case type, and current status. The tool does not display the full text of court orders or decrees. If you need those, you request them from the clerk's office. There is no fee to search online.
What you need to search:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number if available
To get a certified copy of a final divorce decree, contact the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk. You can call, visit in person, or send a written request by mail. Include the names of both parties, the year of the divorce, your contact information, and payment. The clerk will confirm whether the record is on file and the total cost before processing your order.
For a divorce certificate rather than a full court record, contact the Virginia Department of Health. VDH is at 8701 Park Central Drive, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23227, phone (804) 662-6200, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Certificates from VDH cost $12 each. Under § 32.1-271 of the Virginia Code, VDH divorce records are restricted for 25 years. Only the parties and immediate family with valid ID can request copies during that period. Court records at the clerk's office are generally public and not subject to that restriction.
The VDH vital records office at vdh.virginia.gov/vital-records issues divorce certificates. For the full divorce decree and case file, go to the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk in Pulaski.
Pulaski County Divorce Record Fees
Fees for divorce records and filings in Pulaski County follow Virginia's statewide schedule under § 17.1-275. The filing fee to start a new divorce case is $60, paid to the clerk at the time you file the initial complaint. This does not cover additional court costs, service fees, or attorney fees if you hire one.
Copy fees for divorce records:
- First certified copy of the final decree: free under § 17.1-275
- Additional certified copies: $0.50 per page plus a $2.00 certification fee per document
- Plain (uncertified) copies: $0.50 per page
- VDH divorce certificates: $12 each, ordered through VDH directly
If a search requires staff to locate older records manually, there may be additional charges. Call ahead to get an estimate if you expect to request many pages. The clerk's office will confirm the total before you pay.
Fee waivers: People who cannot afford to pay court costs may ask the clerk about a fee waiver. You will likely need to provide proof of income. Ask when you contact the office.
Filing for Divorce in Pulaski County
To file for divorce in Pulaski County, you must meet Virginia's residency requirement. Under § 20-97 of the Virginia Code, at least one spouse must have lived in Virginia for at least six months before the complaint can be filed. If that requirement is met, you may file in the county where you or your spouse currently lives.
Virginia permits both no-fault and fault-based divorce. For a no-fault case with no minor children, the spouses must live separately for at least six months and have a written property settlement agreement in place. If there are minor children involved, the required separation period extends to one year. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, willful desertion, and a felony conviction followed by imprisonment.
The process starts when one spouse files a Complaint for Divorce with the Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk and pays the $60 fee. The other spouse must be served with a copy. If both parties agree on all terms, they can present a settlement agreement and ask for an agreed decree, which typically moves through faster. If they disagree on property, custody, or support, the case may require a hearing or trial before the judge issues the final order.
Virginia uses equitable distribution for dividing marital property. This means the court splits property fairly, though not necessarily equally. Marital property includes most assets and debts acquired during the marriage. Separate property, such as things owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance and kept separate, is generally not divided.
If you need help with the process and cannot afford an attorney, Virginia Legal Aid may be available. The clerk's office can point you to self-help forms for common filings, but staff cannot offer legal advice on your specific case.
What Pulaski County Divorce Records Contain
A divorce record in Pulaski County includes everything filed with the Circuit Court during the case. The final decree is the key document. It is the signed court order that legally ends the marriage and sets out all the terms both parties must follow going forward. Courts issue the decree after a settlement is approved or after a trial.
The full case file may also contain:
- Complaint for Divorce (the initial filing)
- Proof of service
- Affidavits from one or both spouses
- Property settlement agreement
- Child support and custody orders if applicable
- Spousal support order if applicable
- Hearing transcripts in contested cases
The final decree itself includes the full legal names of both parties, the date the divorce was granted, and all of the court's rulings on property, support, and any other matters. A certified copy of the decree is needed for many purposes: changing your name, updating insurance or retirement accounts, or proving marital status for a future marriage.
Divorce records at the clerk's office are generally public. You do not need to be a party to the case to request a copy. Some records may be sealed by court order, particularly those involving financial documents or minor children.
Legal Help in Pulaski County
A few options exist for people who need help with a divorce in Pulaski County. Legal aid organizations can assist those who qualify based on income. The Virginia State Bar has a referral program if you want to find a private attorney. Self-help resources are also available if you plan to handle the filing yourself.
Virginia Legal Aid provides free civil legal services to low-income residents, including help with divorce, custody, and support matters. Their statewide site can connect you to the right regional office for southwest Virginia. They can help with forms and answer questions about the process.
The Virginia State Bar lawyer referral service can help you find a licensed family law attorney in the area. Many offer an initial consultation at a reduced rate. If you are handling the case on your own, the clerk's office can tell you which forms apply to your situation. Court self-help forms are also available through the Virginia judicial system online. The clerk cannot give legal advice, but they can point you to the right paperwork.
Virginia Code § 17.1-208 governs public access to court records, including divorce case files maintained by circuit court clerks across the state. The full statute is published by the Virginia Legislative Information System:
Under § 17.1-208, court records including divorce files are generally open to the public. Certain documents may be sealed by court order. The Pulaski County Circuit Court Clerk can tell you what is available in a specific case file.
Cities Near Pulaski County
Several independent cities are located near Pulaski County. City residents have their own separate circuit courts, but people who live in the unincorporated parts of the county file at the Pulaski County Circuit Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Pulaski County. If you are unsure which county to file in, check the address where you currently live. Virginia law requires you to file in the right jurisdiction.