Butler County Court Records
What Is Butler County Court Records
Butler County court records are official documents created, filed, and maintained by the courts operating within Butler County, Ohio. These records document the proceedings, decisions, and actions taken in legal matters handled by the county's judicial system. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43, court records are considered public records and are maintained for legal, historical, and administrative purposes.
Court records in Butler County typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other documents filed by parties
- Docket sheets chronicling the chronological history of court actions
- Judicial orders and judgments issued by the court
- Hearing and trial transcripts
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
- Sentencing information in criminal cases
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate documents including wills and estate inventories
It is important to distinguish court records from other types of public records maintained by Butler County. While property records, vital statistics, and tax records are also public documents, they are typically maintained by different county offices such as the Recorder's Office, Health Department, and Auditor's Office respectively.
The Butler County Clerk of Courts serves as the official custodian of records for several courts within the county, including the Court of Common Pleas (General Division and Domestic Relations Division) and the 12th District Court of Appeals. Other courts, such as the Butler County Probate Court and Area Courts, maintain their own record systems.
Are Court Records Public In Butler County
Court records in Butler County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Act, commonly known as the "Sunshine Law," codified in Ohio Revised Code § 149.43. This statute establishes the presumption that government records, including court records, are open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law.
The Ohio Supreme Court has further clarified public access to court records through the adoption of Superintendence Rule 44-47, which governs access to court records throughout Ohio. These rules define court records as documents, information, data, or other items that are created, received, or maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding.
Records that are typically available for public access include:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed or confidential matters)
- Criminal case files (post-charging, with certain exceptions)
- Judgments, orders, and decisions
- Docket sheets and case indices
- Hearing and trial schedules
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Records sealed by court order
- Adoption records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain domestic violence records
- Records containing sensitive personal identifiers (social security numbers, financial account numbers, etc.)
The Butler County courts maintain compliance with both state law and the Ohio Supreme Court's rules regarding public access to court records. Members of the public seeking access to court records should be aware that while most records are public, specific exemptions and restrictions may apply to certain types of cases or information.
How To Find Court Records in Butler County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Butler County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The appropriate method depends on the type of record sought and the court that maintains it.
For in-person requests, individuals may visit the following locations:
Butler County Clerk of Courts - Legal Division
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3278
Butler County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Butler County Probate Court
Butler County Courthouse, 2nd Floor
101 High Street
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3294
Butler County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
When requesting records in person, the following steps are recommended:
- Identify the specific case or document needed (case number, party names, filing date)
- Complete any required request forms provided by the court
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable copy fees (typically $0.10-$1.00 per page depending on the document)
- For certified copies, additional fees may apply
For written requests by mail, individuals should:
- Address the request to the appropriate court office
- Include specific case information (case number, party names, filing date)
- Specify which documents are being requested
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery
- Enclose payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
Many Butler County court records can also be accessed online through various court-specific portals, which will be detailed in subsequent sections. Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), requesters are not required to provide identification or the purpose of their request when seeking public records, though providing case-specific information facilitates more efficient record retrieval.
How To Look Up Court Records in Butler County Online?
Butler County offers several online portals for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient access to various court documents without requiring an in-person visit to the courthouse.
The primary online resources for Butler County court records include:
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Butler County Clerk of Courts Online Records Search This system provides access to Common Pleas Court records (General Division and Domestic Relations) and 12th District Court of Appeals cases. Users can search by case number, party name, attorney, or filing date. The system includes records for civil, criminal, domestic relations, and appellate cases. Access is available through the locating court records page.
Search steps:
- Select the appropriate court division
- Enter search criteria (case number, name, etc.)
- Review search results and select specific cases to view
- Access available documents (some may require in-person viewing)
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Butler County Area Courts Record Search The Area Courts docket search provides access to records from Butler County's Area Courts, which handle misdemeanors, traffic cases, and small claims matters. Users can search by case number, name, or citation number.
Search steps:
- Select the appropriate area court
- Enter search criteria
- Review case information
- Note that some documents may not be available online
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Butler County Probate Court Records The Probate Court maintains its own online case access system for probate matters, including estates, guardianships, adoptions, and marriage licenses.
Search steps:
- Navigate to the case search section
- Enter case number or name
- Select case type if known
- Review available information
When using these online systems, users should be aware that:
- There may be a delay between court filings and their appearance in online systems
- Not all documents are available electronically; some may require in-person inspection
- Certain confidential or sealed cases will not appear in public search results
- Document images may require payment to view or download
- Technical limitations may affect search functionality
The online systems are regularly updated in accordance with Ohio Supreme Court Superintendence Rule 45(D), which governs remote access to court records.
How To Search Butler County Court Records for Free?
Butler County residents and members of the public may access certain court records without cost, in accordance with Ohio's Public Records Law. The Ohio Revised Code § 149.43 establishes that public records shall be promptly prepared and made available for inspection to any person during regular business hours.
Free access options include:
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In-Person Inspection All Butler County courts provide free public access terminals for viewing court records during regular business hours. No appointment is necessary, though visitors must comply with courthouse security procedures. While inspection is free, printing or copying documents typically incurs fees.
Locations for free in-person access:
Butler County Clerk of Courts - Legal Division
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3278
Butler County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PMButler County Area Courts
Various locations throughout the county
Butler County Area Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM -
Online Basic Case Information Basic case information is available at no cost through the following online portals:
- Butler County Clerk of Courts case search - Provides free access to case listings, party information, and docket entries for Common Pleas and Appeals cases
- Butler County Area Courts Record Search - Offers free access to basic case information for misdemeanor and traffic cases
- Butler County Probate Court case search - Provides free access to basic probate case information
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Public Access Computers at Libraries Several public libraries in Butler County offer free internet access where residents can utilize the court's online search systems at no cost.
While basic record access is free, users should be aware of the following potential costs:
- Printed copies typically cost $0.10-$1.00 per page
- Certified copies may cost $1.00-$5.00 per document
- Complete case files or voluminous records may incur additional fees
- Some enhanced online features or document images may require subscription or per-document fees
The courts maintain these free access options in compliance with Ohio Revised Code § 149.43(B)(6), which states that public offices shall provide copies of public records at cost and within a reasonable period of time.
What's Included in a Butler County Court Record?
Butler County court records contain various documents and information depending on the case type and court of jurisdiction. The content of these records is governed by the Ohio Rules of Superintendence and local court rules. Generally, a complete court record may include the following components:
For Civil Cases:
- Complaint or petition initiating the lawsuit
- Summons and proof of service documents
- Answers, counterclaims, and cross-claims
- Motions filed by parties and corresponding responses
- Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Exhibits and evidence admitted during proceedings
- Transcripts of hearings and trials
- Judicial orders and decisions
- Final judgment entry
- Post-judgment motions and orders
- Appeal documents (if applicable)
For Criminal Cases:
- Indictment or information charging the defendant
- Arrest warrant or summons
- Bond information
- Plea documents
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Evidence inventory lists
- Jury selection records (in jury trials)
- Verdict forms
- Sentencing entries
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Post-conviction motions and orders
For Domestic Relations Cases:
- Petition for divorce or dissolution
- Financial disclosure statements
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Property division agreements
- Temporary orders
- Final decree of divorce or dissolution
- Post-decree motions and modifications
For Probate Cases:
- Wills and codicils
- Applications for estate administration
- Inventories of estate assets
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship applications and reports
- Adoption petitions and home studies
- Marriage license applications
Each court record also contains a docket sheet, which serves as a chronological index of all filings, hearings, and actions taken in the case. The docket typically includes:
- Case number and filing date
- Party names and attorney information
- Filing dates for all documents
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Notation of all judicial actions and orders
- Financial information regarding court costs and fees
Certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal pursuant to Ohio Superintendence Rule 45(D), including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and information regarding minors.
How Long Does Butler County Keep Court Records?
Butler County courts maintain records according to retention schedules established by the Ohio Supreme Court through the Rules of Superintendence for the Courts of Ohio, specifically Rule 26. These schedules vary by case type and document category.
Key retention periods for common record types include:
Civil Cases:
- General civil cases: Minimum of 5 years after final order
- Personal injury/property damage: 2 years after final order
- Professional tort cases: 12 years after final order
- Product liability cases: 12 years after final order
- Other torts: 12 years after final order
- Workers' compensation: 5 years after final order
- Foreclosures: Permanently maintained
Criminal Cases:
- Felony cases: 50 years after final order
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years after final order
- DUI cases: 50 years after final order
- Traffic cases (non-DUI): 5 years after final order
- Search warrants: 5 years after return
Domestic Relations Cases:
- Divorce/dissolution with children: Permanently maintained
- Divorce/dissolution without children: 25 years after final order
- Domestic violence: 5 years after final order
- Support enforcement: Until minor reaches age of majority plus 1 year
Probate Cases:
- Estates: 12 years after final account approved
- Guardianships: 5 years after termination
- Adoptions: Permanently maintained
- Marriage licenses: Permanently maintained
Appeals:
- All appellate cases: 25 years after final order
Certain records of historical or legal significance may be retained permanently regardless of the standard schedule. These often include landmark cases, cases establishing important precedents, or cases involving prominent individuals or events.
After the retention period expires, records may be:
- Transferred to microfilm or electronic format for permanent storage
- Transferred to the Ohio History Connection (formerly Ohio Historical Society)
- Destroyed according to proper procedures
The Butler County Clerk of Courts and individual courts may have supplemental retention policies that extend beyond the minimum requirements established by the Ohio Supreme Court. Researchers seeking older records should contact the specific court to determine availability.
Types of Courts In Butler County
Butler County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and responsibilities. Each court handles specific types of cases as prescribed by Ohio law.
Butler County Court of Common Pleas - General Division
Government Services Center
315 High Street, 8th Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3000
Butler County Common Pleas Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Butler County Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division
Government Services Center
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3100
Butler County Domestic Relations Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Butler County Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division
280 North Fair Avenue
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3318
Butler County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Butler County Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division
Butler County Courthouse
101 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3294
Butler County Probate Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Butler County Area Court I
1 South Main Street
Oxford, OH 45056
513-523-4748
Butler County Area Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Butler County Area Court II
101 High Street, 5th Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3459
Butler County Area Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Butler County Area Court III
9577 Beckett Road, Suite 500
West Chester, OH 45069
513-867-5070
Butler County Area Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
12th District Court of Appeals
1001 Main Street
Middletown, OH 45042
513-425-2061
12th District Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Hamilton Municipal Court
345 High Street
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-785-7300
Hamilton Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Middletown Municipal Court
One City Centre Plaza
Middletown, OH 45042
513-425-7850
Middletown Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Fairfield Municipal Court
675 Nilles Road
Fairfield, OH 45014
513-867-6002
Fairfield Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The court hierarchy in Butler County follows the standard Ohio judicial structure, with cases typically progressing from municipal or area courts to the common pleas court, then to the 12th District Court of Appeals, and potentially to the Ohio Supreme Court for final review.
What Types of Cases Do Butler County Courts Hear?
Butler County's various courts have specific jurisdictional authority to hear different types of cases as established by Ohio law. Understanding which court handles specific matters helps residents navigate the judicial system effectively.
Court of Common Pleas - General Division
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases with claims exceeding $15,000
- Administrative appeals
- Complex litigation
- Real estate matters
- Contract disputes
- Personal injury and tort claims
- Commercial and business litigation
Court of Common Pleas - Domestic Relations Division
- Divorce proceedings
- Dissolution of marriage
- Legal separation
- Annulment
- Child custody determinations
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Domestic violence civil protection orders
- Post-decree modifications
Court of Common Pleas - Juvenile Division
- Delinquency cases involving minors
- Unruly child proceedings
- Juvenile traffic offenses
- Abuse, neglect, and dependency cases
- Paternity determinations
- Child support for unmarried parents
- Custody matters for unmarried parents
- Juvenile protection orders
Court of Common Pleas - Probate Division
- Estate administration
- Will contests
- Guardianships for minors and incompetent adults
- Conservatorships
- Adoptions
- Name changes
- Marriage licenses
- Mental health commitments
- Trust administration
Butler County Area Courts
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims (up to $6,000)
- Civil cases up to $15,000
- Evictions
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Municipal Courts (Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield)
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic violations
- Small claims (up to $6,000)
- Civil cases up to $15,000
- Evictions
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
- Municipal ordinance violations
12th District Court of Appeals
- Appeals from all lower courts in Butler County
- Original actions in mandamus, prohibition, procedendo, habeas corpus, and quo warranto
Case assignment within Butler County follows jurisdictional boundaries established by Ohio Revised Code § 2301.03 for the Common Pleas Court and Ohio Revised Code § 1907.01 for County Courts. Municipal court jurisdiction is governed by Ohio Revised Code § 1901.02.
How To Find a Court Docket In Butler County
Court dockets in Butler County provide a chronological listing of all actions, filings, and proceedings in a case. These records are essential for tracking case progress and upcoming court dates. Several methods exist for accessing docket information in Butler County courts.
Online docket access is available through the following portals:
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Common Pleas Court and Court of Appeals Dockets The Butler County Clerk of Courts maintains online access to dockets for the General Division, Domestic Relations Division, and 12th District Court of Appeals through their case information portal. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney name
- Filing date range
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Area Courts Dockets The Butler County Area Courts docket search provides access to misdemeanor, traffic, and small claims cases. Search options include:
- Case number
- Citation number
- Party name
- Attorney name
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Probate Court Dockets The Butler County Probate Court maintains a separate case management system for probate matters. Users can search by:
- Case number
- Name of decedent or ward
- Case type
- Filing date
For in-person docket access, individuals may visit:
Butler County Clerk of Courts - Legal Division
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3278
Butler County Clerk of Courts
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Public access terminals are available for searching dockets without charge. Staff can assist with locating specific cases, though they cannot provide legal advice.
For upcoming court hearings, the following resources are available:
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Daily Court Calendars Most Butler County courts post their daily dockets or calendars near the courtrooms and at information desks. These list all hearings scheduled for that day.
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Telephone Information Court staff can provide hearing date information by telephone when provided with a case number or party name.
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Attorney Notification Systems Attorneys registered with the courts receive electronic notifications of scheduled hearings for their cases.
When searching for docket information, it is advisable to have the following information ready:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of parties involved
- Approximate filing date
- Case type
Docket information is updated regularly in accordance with court procedures, though there may be a brief delay between court actions and their appearance in electronic systems.
Which Courts in Butler County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Ohio's judicial system, the distinction between "courts of record" and "courts not of record" is significant for understanding procedural rights and the maintenance of official proceedings. This distinction is established by Ohio Revised Code § 1901.01 and related statutes.
A "court of record" is one that maintains a verbatim record of all proceedings, typically through court reporters or electronic recording systems. These courts follow formal rules of procedure and evidence, and their decisions can be appealed directly based on the official record created during proceedings.
In Butler County, all courts currently operating are classified as courts of record, including:
- Butler County Court of Common Pleas (all divisions)
- Butler County Area Courts
- Municipal Courts (Hamilton, Middletown, Fairfield)
- 12th District Court of Appeals
Historically, Ohio maintained a system of "mayor's courts" which were not courts of record. These courts were presided over by mayors or appointed magistrates in municipalities without a municipal court. Cases heard in mayor's courts were subject to de novo review (completely new trial) if appealed to a municipal or county court, rather than a traditional appeal based on the record.
While mayor's courts still exist in some Ohio municipalities under Ohio Revised Code § 1905.01, Butler County currently does not have any active mayor's courts. The Ohio Supreme Court maintains a directory of mayor's courts which confirms the absence of such courts in Butler County.
The significance of all Butler County courts being courts of record includes:
- All proceedings are documented through official transcripts or recordings
- Appeals are based on the record created in the original proceeding
- Formal rules of evidence and procedure apply
- Judges must be attorneys (unlike mayor's courts where legal training is not required)
- Records are maintained according to state retention schedules
Individuals with cases in Butler County courts should be aware that their proceedings are being recorded and that this record will form the basis of any potential appeal. This underscores the importance of presenting all relevant evidence and making appropriate objections during the original proceeding.
Lookup Court Records in Butler County
Butler County Area Courts - Record Search