Butler County Divorce Decree Records
Butler County divorce decree records are managed by the Circuit Clerk in Poplar Bluff. This office handles all dissolution of marriage filings for the county's circuit court. You can request copies by mail or in person at the courthouse. The clerk also helps with genealogical searches that include divorce records. Missouri's Case.net system lets you look up basic case info online at no cost. This guide covers the steps, fees, and resources for getting Butler County divorce decree records.
Quick Facts
Butler County Divorce Decree Access
The Butler County Circuit Clerk is responsible for keeping complete and accurate records of the court. This includes all divorce decrees, petitions for dissolution, and related court orders. The clerk receives, processes, and maintains judgments, rules, orders, and all other court proceedings. The office also issues process documents like summons, subpoenas, and garnishments.
The Circuit Clerk in Butler County assists with genealogical searches too. These can cover criminal records, civil cases, dissolutions, name changes, juvenile matters, adoptions, financial cases, paternity, child support, and immigration records. If you are looking for an older divorce case, the clerk may be able to help track it down.
Under Missouri's Sunshine Law, most court records in Butler County are public. Anyone can ask to see them. You do not need to be a party to the divorce to get basic info. Some details may be restricted, though, like financial affidavits or records about minor children.
Getting a Butler County Divorce Decree Copy
Copies of a divorce decree can be obtained by submitting a request to the Circuit Clerk by mail or in person. The fees are straightforward. A judgment without attachment costs $2.50. A judgment with an attachment, like a parenting plan or separation agreement, costs $5.00. Send your request to: Cindi Bowman, Butler County Circuit Clerk, 100 N. Main St., Poplar Bluff, MO 63901.
You need to include the names of both parties at the time of the divorce and the approximate month and year of the divorce. A self-addressed stamped envelope speeds things up. The clerk can tell you if any extra fees apply based on the size of the file. Call (573) 686-8040 if you have questions about a specific case.
The screenshot below shows the official Butler County Circuit Court page with details on divorce decree requests.
This page from the Butler County government site explains the process and fees for getting copies of court records including divorce decrees.
Search Butler County Divorce Records Online
Missouri's Case.net lets you search court records from all 114 counties. For Butler County, you can look up divorce cases by party name, case number, or filing date. The system shows basic details: who is involved, the case type, hearing dates, and the current status. It does not provide the actual decree document. That still requires a request to the clerk.
The Butler County court records page also has useful info on how to access divorce records. Divorce records here contain details about the dissolution of marriages, including names of the parties, date of the divorce, and any court orders for child custody, alimony, or property.
This resource gives a broader look at Butler County court records and how to request them through different channels.
Filing for Divorce in Butler County
Filing starts with a petition for dissolution of marriage. One spouse files this with the Butler County Circuit Court. Missouri law under RSMo 452.310 requires at least 90 days of state residency before filing. The petition must say the marriage is irretrievably broken. There is a 30-day waiting period per RSMo 452.320 before the court can grant the divorce.
Self-represented parties must use forms approved by the Missouri Supreme Court. These forms cover the petition, parenting plan, and financial disclosures. The clerk's office can tell you which forms apply to your situation. Filing fees vary, so call ahead for the current amount.
Once both sides agree or the court rules, the judge signs the decree. The clerk records it. The case closes. The decree becomes a permanent part of the court record. To change custody or support later, you would file a motion to modify in the same court under RSMo 452.370.
State-Level Divorce Statements
The Missouri Department of Health keeps certified statements for divorces. A certified statement only lists the names of both spouses, the date, and the county. It does not include custody, property, or support details. These cost $15.00 each. You can order them at 930 Wildwood Drive in Jefferson City, by mail, or through VitalChek. The state has records going back to July 1, 1948.
For the full divorce decree with all terms and conditions, the Butler County Circuit Clerk is the only source. The Missouri state portal can help if you are not sure which county handled your case.
Certified statements can be useful if you are not sure which county handled the divorce. The state office can confirm the county and date, which you can then use to request the full decree from the correct circuit clerk. Processing times for state requests run about 4 to 8 weeks by mail, or 5 to 7 business days through VitalChek.
Note: Vital records in Missouri are not open to the general public under state law per RSMo 193.245.
Nearby Counties
If your divorce was filed in a county next to Butler, contact that county's circuit clerk instead. Neighboring counties include: