Find Butler County Divorce Records
Butler County divorce records are kept by the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse in Poplar Bluff. The 36th Judicial Circuit Court handles all divorce cases filed here, and records go back to 1849. If you need to look up a divorce case, get a copy of a decree, or check on a filing status, there are several ways to do it. You can search online through Missouri's Case.net, visit the clerk's office in person, or send a mail request. The clerk's staff will help you find what you need and let you know what fees apply for copies of Butler County divorce records.
Butler County Quick Facts
Butler County Circuit Clerk Office
The Butler County Circuit Clerk is the official keeper of all divorce records in the county. The office handles court filings, case records, and certified copies. You can reach them by phone at (573) 686-8088. The mailing address is PO Box 71, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Walk-in visits are welcome during weekday business hours.
The Missouri Association of Counties page for Butler County lists contact info for all county offices. The Presiding Commissioner is at PO Box 128, phone (573) 686-8064. The County Clerk is at PO Box 368, phone (573) 686-8066. The Recorder of Deeds is at PO Box 368, phone (573) 686-8084. The Circuit Clerk handles divorce records specifically.
| Office | Butler County Circuit Clerk |
|---|---|
| Mailing | PO Box 71, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 |
| Courthouse | 100 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901 |
| Phone | (573) 686-8088 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
| Circuit | 36th Judicial Circuit |
Court records in Butler County are public under the Missouri Sunshine Law, Mo. Rev. Stat. Section 610.010. Copy fees apply when you request documents. Call the clerk for the current cost per page.
Butler County Divorce Records Online
You can search for Butler County divorce records online through Missouri Case.net. This is the state's official court records search tool with over 45 million case records. You can look up cases by name, case number, or filing date. Case.net shows the case type, status, parties involved, attorneys, and a full docket of events in the case. Divorce cases filed in the 36th Judicial Circuit will show up in search results.
Some limits apply. Case.net does not show juvenile cases, sealed records, or expunged cases. If a judge sealed a divorce case for any reason, it won't appear. Cases filed before the 1980s may not be in the digital system. For those older Butler County divorce records, contact the clerk's office directly in Poplar Bluff. They have files going back to 1849.
Butler County was created on February 27, 1849, from Wayne County. The county has maintained court and divorce records since that year. That gives you over 175 years of records on file at the courthouse.
Getting Butler County Divorce Records
There are a few ways to get copies of Butler County divorce records. You can go to the courthouse at 100 N. Main St. in Poplar Bluff. You can also send a request by mail to PO Box 71, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. When you ask for a record, have the full names of both spouses and the approximate date of the divorce. This helps the staff find the right file fast.
If you want a certified copy of the actual divorce decree, the Butler County Circuit Clerk is the only local source. The state vital records office in Jefferson City issues a Certified Statement Relating to Divorce that shows names, date, and county but not the full decree. Under Missouri law (RSMo Chapter 193), vital records access is limited to people with a direct and tangible interest. You need valid ID and may need a notarized request for mail orders from the state office. The state fee for a Certified Statement is $15.
Local clerk fees can vary. Call (573) 686-8088 to check the current cost for copies at the Butler County courthouse.
Filing for Divorce in Butler County
To file for divorce in Butler County, at least one spouse must have lived in Missouri for 90 days before filing. The petition goes to the 36th Judicial Circuit Court. You file the paperwork with the Circuit Clerk in Poplar Bluff.
Missouri Courts provide free divorce forms you can download from the Missouri Courts family law forms page. The forms package includes a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, Income and Expense Statement, Property Statement, and Parenting Plan forms if children are part of the case. Each circuit may have local rules, so check with the Butler County clerk for any extra steps or documents needed.
Legal Services of Missouri at 1-800-829-4128 provides free legal aid for people who qualify. The Missouri Bar also offers a lawyer referral service if you want legal help but don't know where to start.
Note: Filing fees vary and can change, so call the clerk's office at (573) 686-8088 for the most current amount.
Vital Records for Butler County
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services keeps records of divorces reported since July 1, 1948. You can order a Certified Statement by mail, in person in Jefferson City, or through VitalChek online. The fee is $15 per record. Mail requests go to Bureau of Vital Records, 930 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109. Processing takes about 4 to 8 weeks.
The Butler County Health Department is at 1619 North Main, Poplar Bluff, MO 63901. Phone is (573) 785-8478. They handle birth and death certificates but do not issue divorce records. For divorce decrees, go to the Circuit Clerk.
The FamilySearch page for Butler County lists records available for genealogy research. The County Clerk has birth records from 1883 to 1886 and death records from the same period. The Recorder of Deeds has marriage and land records from 1849. The Probate Judge has probate records from 1849.
Historical Butler County Divorce Records
Butler County has court and divorce records dating back to 1849. For very old records, the Missouri State Archives may have relevant materials. The archives research room in Jefferson City is open to visitors, and staff will do limited research for people who can't visit. You can email archives@sos.mo.gov or call (573) 751-3280 to ask about specific Butler County divorce records.
For divorce records filed before August 28, 2009, the final decree section stays accessible, but all other parts of the file are sealed for 72 years after filing. This means some parts of older cases are restricted even though the final outcome is still public. Keep this in mind when doing genealogy research or looking into older Butler County divorce cases.
Nearby Counties
If you need divorce records from areas near Butler County, check these neighboring counties: