Butler County Court Records

Butler County court records are official documents created and maintained by the judicial system of Butler County, Missouri. These records are of great significance in legal matters as they provide a comprehensive account of legal proceedings, including civil, criminal, probate, and family-related cases.

Court records serve as evidence of what happened during a case, the rulings made, and any judgments or sentences handed down. These records can be used by legal professionals, government agencies, and the general public for various purposes, such as legal research, background checks, or verification of information.

Typical court records may include:

• Case files containing petitions, motions, judgments, and evidence.
• Court orders and judgments which detail the outcomes of cases.
• Transcript of hearings and trials.
• Arrest records related to criminal cases.

The Butler County arrest records can also be found within the criminal court records as part of the judicial process in criminal cases.

Are Court Records Public in Butler County?

Under Missouri law, court records in Butler County are generally considered public records and are accessible to anyone who wishes to view them. However, there are certain restrictions in place depending on the type of record and the nature of the case.

According to the Missouri Sunshine Law (Section 610.010-610.030), public records must be available for inspection by any member of the public unless there is a specific exemption outlined in the law. The exemption includes:

• Records involving minors or juveniles
• Sealed or expunged records, which are typically not available for public inspection.
• Confidential court records, including those related to adoption cases or certain family law matters.

It is important to note that while most court records are public, accessing some of the records may require formal requests or could involve paying a fee.

Butler County Court Records Search

To search for court records in Butler County, you can visit the Butler County Circuit Court or any other court-related offices. Generally, there are a few ways to search for court records which are:

• In-person at the courthouse.
• Online through government portals and third-party services.

Butler County Courts

Butler County, Missouri, is served by a number of courts that handle different types of cases. The primary courts in Butler County are:

Butler County Circuit Court
100 North Main Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: (573) 686-8040

This court handles felony cases, civil matters, family law cases, and probate matters.

Butler County Associate Court
100 North Main Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: (573) 686-8040

The Butler County Associate Court deals with misdemeanor cases, small claims, and other less complex matters.

Butler County Municipal Court
101 South Broadway Street
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: (573) 785-7471

The Municipal Court handles cases related to municipal ordinances, such as traffic violations.

Butler County Criminal and Civil Records

Butler County criminal records include information about individuals arrested or convicted of crimes. This might include Butler County arrest records, court rulings, and sentencing details.

The Missouri Criminal Records Repository (section 43.540, RSMo) maintains these records, and requests for copies can be made through the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the Butler County Circuit Court.

In comparison, Butler County Civil records cover cases involving private disputes such as contracts, property disputes, or family law cases. Civil case records are maintained by the Butler County Circuit Court and can be accessed by the Public per section 610.010, RSMo.

To access these records, you will need to:

• Identify which court handled the case (circuit court for felonies, associate court for misdemeanors).
• Visit the respective court's office or use the online platforms if available.
• Request records by filling out a request form or paying a fee for copies of documents.

The custodian of Butler County criminal records is usually the Butler County Circuit Court or the local law enforcement agency that maintains arrest records.

Butler County Marriage Records

Marriage records in Butler County are available to the public and can be accessed through the Butler County Recorder of Deeds. These records typically contain:

• The names of the bride and groom.
• The date and location of the marriage
• The officiant’s name.

To obtain a Butler County marriage certificate, you must submit a request to the Recorder's office, either in person or via mail. Per section 451.080, RSMo, obtaining a certified copy of the records may be associated with a small fee.

Butler County Divorce Records

Divorce records in Butler County are also considered public records and can be accessed through the Butler County Circuit Court. These records contain details about the dissolution of marriages, including:

• Names of parties involved.
• The date of the divorce.
• Any court orders related to child custody, alimony, or prosecutor

To obtain Butler County divorce records, you can contact the Circuit Court’s family division or request the records online, if available. The Missouri Divorce Records Act( Section 452.310, RSMo) outlines the process of obtaining divorce records in Missouri.

Butler Birth Records

Butler County birth records are part of the Butler County Vital Records and are maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. These records contain essential information such as:

• The name of the child.
• The birthday and location
• The name of the parents.

Missouri law restricts access to birth records to authorized individuals, such as the person named in the record, immediate family members, or those with legal authorization. Per section 193.145, RSMo, you can request a Butler County birth certificate through the state's Vital Records Office or the county's recorder's office.

Butler Death Records

Per Section 193.145 RMSo, Death records are similar to birth records in that they are maintained by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and have restrictions on access. These records provide details such as:

• The name of the deceased.
• The date and location of death
• The cause of death.

To obtain a Butler County death certificate, you have to request it from the state's Vital Records Office or the Butler County Recorder of Deeds. Access is generally restricted to immediate family or persons with legal rights to the record.

Butler County Probate Court Records

Probate Court Records in Butler County deal with the administration of estates, guardianships, and wills. These records can include:

• Wills and estate documents.
• Guardianship cases.
• Financial records related to the estate.

To obtain Butler County Probate Court Records, you would need to contact the Butler County Circuit Court or the specific division handling Probate cases, per section 473.020, RSMo.

Butler County Property Records

Property records in Butler County are maintained by the Butler County Assessor's Office and the recorder of deeds. These records include:

• Property ownership details.
• Deed transfers.
• Tax assessments.

Per Section 59.280, RSMo, To access Butler County property records, visit the Assessor's Office or Recorder of Deeds or search online using third-party services.

Butler County Court Records Online

There are third-party online resources available to access Butler County Court records. These websites, including missouricourtrecords.us, provide user-friendly platforms to search for specific cases by party names, case numbers, or dates. These platforms allow users to view and download documents without visiting the courthouse. However, it is important to note that these third-party platforms operate independently of government agencies. As such, the information available may not always be up-to-date or completely accurate. Official records are best accessed at the county court’s website or directly through the court clerk's office.