Search Pulaski County Divorce Records
Pulaski County divorce records are managed by the combined Circuit Clerk-Recorder office at the courthouse in Waynesville. The 25th Judicial Circuit Court processes all divorce cases filed here. Pulaski County is home to Fort Leonard Wood, which means the clerk's office handles a higher volume of military family law cases than most rural Missouri counties. If you need to look up a divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or check on a filing, the clerk's office on Historic Route 66 is your starting point. You can search basic case data on Case.net or visit the office for full documents.
Pulaski County Quick Facts
Pulaski County Circuit Clerk-Recorder
Pulaski County has a combined Circuit Clerk-Recorder office that handles both court records and recording duties. This is where all divorce records in the county are kept. The office is at 301 Historic 66 E, Suite 202, Waynesville, MO 65583. Call (573) 774-4755 to ask about a record or begin the request process. Hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. The combined office also handles marriage licenses and other recorded documents, so you can take care of multiple record needs in one visit.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Pulaski County has contact details for all county offices. The County Clerk is at 301 Historic 66 E, Suite 101, phone (573) 774-4701. Because of the presence of Fort Leonard Wood, Pulaski County processes a steady stream of military divorce cases. Service members stationed at the base who meet Missouri's 90-day residency requirement can file for divorce through the 25th Judicial Circuit Court.
The Pulaski County Circuit Court page has more information on the court's structure and services. The clerk's staff can pull files, make copies, and certify documents for legal use.
| Office | Pulaski County Circuit Clerk-Recorder |
|---|---|
| Address | 301 Historic 66 E, Suite 202, Waynesville, MO 65583 |
| Phone | (573) 774-4755 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Circuit | 25th Judicial Circuit |
Pulaski County Divorce Records Online
Search for Pulaski County divorce records through Missouri Case.net. This free online system covers all 114 Missouri counties and has over 45 million case records. You can search by name, case number, or filing date. Pulaski County cases in the 25th Judicial Circuit show up with case type, parties, attorneys, docket entries, and current status.
Case.net shows basic case information only. Full divorce decrees are not available for download. Sealed, juvenile, and expunged records do not appear in the results. Cases from before May 2006 might not be in the digital system. For older Pulaski County divorce records, contact the clerk at (573) 774-4755.
Keep in mind that Case.net printouts are not official court documents. They work for basic research, but you need a certified copy from the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk-Recorder for anything with legal standing.
Military Divorces in Pulaski County
Fort Leonard Wood is one of the largest military installations in Missouri, and its presence has a big impact on Pulaski County's court caseload. Military families stationed at the base who need to file for divorce often go through the 25th Judicial Circuit Court. Missouri's 90-day residency rule applies to service members just like it does for civilians. If a service member has been stationed in Missouri for 90 days, they can file in Pulaski County.
Military divorces can have extra layers of complexity. Federal law like the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) can affect the timeline of a divorce case if one spouse is on active duty. Division of military retirement benefits is governed in part by federal law too. These are things to be aware of if you are looking up a military divorce case or filing one yourself. The clerk's office in Waynesville is used to handling these types of cases and can point you toward the right forms and resources.
Legal assistance offices on base may be able to help service members and their families with divorce paperwork. Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 is another resource for people who need free legal help.
Getting Pulaski County Divorce Records
You can request Pulaski County divorce records in person at 301 Historic 66 E, Suite 202 in Waynesville. Bring valid photo ID. Mail requests go to the same address. Include the full names of both spouses, the approximate date of the divorce, any case number you have, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and payment for copy fees. Call (573) 774-4755 to find out current fees before mailing anything.
Only the Pulaski County Circuit Clerk-Recorder can provide a certified copy of the full divorce decree. The state vital records office in Jefferson City issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce, which is a simpler document with just names, date, and county. Under RSMo Chapter 193, vital records access is restricted to people with a direct and tangible interest. Valid ID is needed, and mail requests to the state office must be notarized. The state fee is $15 per Certified Statement.
Filing for Divorce in Pulaski County
To file for divorce in Pulaski County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days. File the petition with the Circuit Clerk-Recorder in Waynesville. The 25th Judicial Circuit handles the case. Pulaski County shares this circuit with Phelps, Maries, and Texas counties. Free divorce forms are available on the Missouri Courts family law forms page.
The packet includes a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and a Parenting Plan if children are involved. Local rules for the 25th Circuit may add extra requirements. Ask the clerk about any additional forms or steps. Filing fees change from time to time, so call (573) 774-4755 for the current amount.
Vital Records and Pulaski County
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has divorce records from July 1, 1948 forward. A Certified Statement costs $15. Order by mail at Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109, in person, or through VitalChek. Mail processing takes 4 to 8 weeks.
The Missouri State Archives may hold historical Pulaski County court records. Contact them at (573) 751-3280 or archives@sos.mo.gov. Court records are public under the Sunshine Law (Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010), but judges can seal files in sensitive cases. For divorces filed before August 28, 2009, the decree stays accessible, while other parts may be restricted for 72 years.
Note: The combined Circuit Clerk-Recorder office provides both marriage and divorce record services in one location.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Pulaski County, check these neighboring counties: