Butler County Divorce Records
What Are Butler County Divorce Records?
Butler County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the Butler County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations Division that document the dissolution of marriages within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute the complete case files and proceedings related to the termination of marital unions as governed by Ohio Revised Code § 3105, which establishes the legal framework for divorce and dissolution of marriage in the state.
Divorce records typically include:
- Petition or complaint for divorce
- Summons and proof of service
- Financial affidavits and disclosures
- Separation agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Property division documents
- Final decree of divorce or dissolution
These records serve multiple important functions for citizens and government agencies alike. Pursuant to state regulations, divorce records provide:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
The Butler County Domestic Relations Court maintains these records in accordance with Ohio state law, ensuring their preservation and accessibility according to established protocols.
Are Butler County Divorce Records Public?
Butler County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. The general court case files associated with divorce proceedings are considered public records under the Ohio Public Records Act § 149.43, which establishes the presumption of openness for government records. However, this public access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
Members of the public may access:
- Basic case information including parties' names
- Court dates and proceedings
- Final divorce decrees (with potential redactions)
- General pleadings and motions
Restricted information typically includes:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account details
- Minor children's identifying information
- Certain medical and psychological records
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, maintain more restricted access. These documents are generally available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with legitimate legal interest and appropriate documentation
The Butler County Clerk of Courts maintains these records and implements access protocols in accordance with both state public records laws and privacy protections established under Ohio family law statutes.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Butler County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Butler County may utilize several established methods to locate these documents. The primary repository for these records is the Butler County Clerk of Courts, which maintains records for the Domestic Relations Division of the Court of Common Pleas.
To obtain divorce records, requesters should:
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Prepare essential information including:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
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Contact or visit the Butler County Clerk of Courts office:
Butler County Clerk of Courts
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3278
Butler County Clerk of Courts
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Complete the appropriate records request form, which can be obtained in person or through the clerk's website.
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Submit the required identification. Requesters must present valid government-issued photo identification when requesting records in person.
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Pay applicable fees. The current fee schedule includes:
- Certified copies: $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
- Regular copies: $0.10 per page
- Search fees may apply for records requiring extensive research
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For records dating back more than 10 years, requesters may need to contact:
Butler County Records Center & Archives
123 North Third Street
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3437
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or in some cases through online systems, depending on the specific record sought and its age.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Butler County Online?
Butler County provides digital access to certain divorce record information through several online platforms maintained by county agencies. These electronic resources allow for preliminary research and basic case information retrieval without requiring in-person visits to county offices.
The primary online resources include:
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Butler County Clerk of Courts Case Search: This official portal allows users to search for divorce cases by:
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Attorney name
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Butler County Domestic Relations Court Records: This specialized portal provides access to:
- Case schedules
- Hearing dates
- Basic case status information
- Judge assignments
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Butler County Area Courts Record Search: While primarily for other court matters, this system may contain related cases relevant to divorce proceedings.
When utilizing these online systems, users should note:
- Complete case files are not available online due to privacy considerations
- Documents containing sensitive personal information are generally excluded from online access
- Electronic records may not include cases filed before computerization (typically pre-1990s)
- The most recent filings may experience processing delays before appearing online
For comprehensive records or certified copies, requesters must still contact the Clerk's office directly after identifying basic case information through these online resources.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Butler County?
Butler County residents and other interested parties may access certain divorce record information without incurring fees through several established channels. These no-cost options primarily provide basic case information rather than complete document copies.
Free access methods include:
- Public Access Terminals: The Butler County Clerk of Courts provides computer terminals for public use at:
Butler County Clerk of Courts
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3278
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
These terminals allow visitors to search case indexes and view basic case information without charge. Printing fees may apply if copies are needed.
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Online Case Information: Basic case details can be accessed without fees through the Butler County Clerk of Courts website, which provides:
- Party names
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- General case status
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Law Libraries: The Butler County Law Library offers public access to legal resources and assistance with records research:
Butler County Law Library
315 High Street, 3rd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3455
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Public Libraries: Local branches of the Butler County public library system offer internet access for online record searches and may provide assistance with navigating public records systems.
While these methods provide free access to basic information, fees will still apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Complete case file reproductions
- Records requiring extensive staff research
- Expedited processing requests
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Butler County
Divorce records maintained by the Butler County Court of Common Pleas contain comprehensive documentation of the entire legal process from initial filing through final judgment. These records are organized into case files that include multiple document categories reflecting the procedural and substantive aspects of each divorce case.
A complete divorce record typically contains:
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Initiating Documents:
- Complaint for Divorce or Petition for Dissolution
- Summons and proof of service
- Temporary restraining orders (if applicable)
- Preliminary injunctions regarding assets or conduct
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Financial Documentation:
- Affidavits of income and expenses
- Asset and liability disclosures
- Property valuations
- Pension and retirement account information
- Tax returns (when submitted as evidence)
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Child-Related Documents (when applicable):
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Custody evaluations
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Parenting proceeding affidavits
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Procedural Documents:
- Motions and responses
- Discovery requests and responses
- Hearing notices
- Continuance requests
- Transcripts of proceedings
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Settlement Documents:
- Separation agreements
- Property division proposals
- Mediation reports
- Collaborative divorce agreements
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Final Judgment Documents:
- Decree of Divorce or Dissolution
- Shared Parenting Decree (if applicable)
- Child Support Orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs)
- Name change orders
These records are maintained pursuant to Ohio Revised Code § 3105.10, which establishes requirements for divorce judgments and record-keeping.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Butler County?
Individuals requiring official verification of divorce in Butler County must obtain certified copies of divorce decrees from the appropriate county office. These certified documents serve as legal proof of marital dissolution for various personal, financial, and legal purposes.
To obtain certified proof of divorce, requesters should:
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Identify the specific documentation needed:
- Certified copy of Final Decree of Divorce/Dissolution
- Certificate of Divorce (abbreviated document showing essential information)
- Complete case file (for comprehensive documentation)
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Submit a request to the Butler County Clerk of Courts:
Butler County Clerk of Courts
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3278
Butler County Clerk of Courts
-
Provide required identification and information:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Requestor's relationship to the case
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Complete the appropriate request form, available at the Clerk's office or downloadable from their website.
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Pay the required fees:
- Certified copy of divorce decree: $1.00 per page plus $1.00 certification fee
- Certificate of Divorce: $5.00 per certificate
- Expedited processing may incur additional charges
For divorces finalized in Butler County but needed for international purposes, requesters may need to obtain additional authentication through:
Ohio Secretary of State
22 North Fourth Street
Columbus, OH 43215
614-466-2655
This additional authentication, known as an Apostille, may be required for recognition of the divorce in foreign countries pursuant to international agreements.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Butler County?
While divorce proceedings in Butler County generally remain part of the public record, Ohio law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be shielded from public view. These confidentiality protections balance the public's right to access court records with legitimate privacy concerns of the parties involved.
Confidentiality options in Butler County divorce cases include:
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Sealing Specific Documents: Pursuant to Ohio Rules of Superintendence Rule 45, parties may petition the court to seal specific sensitive documents within a case file, such as:
- Financial records and tax returns
- Medical and psychological evaluations
- Records containing children's personal information
- Victim information in cases involving domestic violence
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Redaction of Personal Identifiers: The Butler County Domestic Relations Court requires the removal or redaction of certain information from all filings, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's birth dates
- Driver's license numbers
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Complete Case Sealing: In exceptional circumstances, the court may order an entire case sealed from public view. This requires:
- Formal motion demonstrating compelling privacy interests
- Judicial finding that privacy interests outweigh public access rights
- Specific determination that less restrictive measures are inadequate
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Confidential Name Change: In cases involving domestic violence or stalking concerns, name changes associated with divorce may be processed confidentially under Ohio law.
Parties seeking confidentiality protections must file appropriate motions with the Butler County Domestic Relations Court and demonstrate specific grounds for restricting public access. These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis by the presiding judge in accordance with state law and court rules.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Butler County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Butler County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. The Butler County Domestic Relations Court processes cases according to established timelines while allowing flexibility for the unique circumstances of each case.
Typical timeframes for Butler County divorces include:
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Uncontested Dissolutions:
- Minimum waiting period: 30 days from filing to final hearing
- Typical completion time: 1-3 months
- Requirements: Complete agreement on all issues, proper documentation, both parties' participation
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Contested Divorces with Limited Issues:
- Typical completion time: 4-8 months
- Factors affecting timeline: Temporary orders hearings, limited discovery needs, negotiation periods
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Complex Contested Divorces:
- Typical completion time: 9-18 months
- Contributing factors: Extensive property division, business valuation, custody evaluations, expert testimony
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High-Conflict Cases:
- Potential duration: 18+ months
- Complicating elements: Multiple motions, extensive discovery disputes, trial preparation, court congestion
According to statistics from the Ohio Supreme Court, the average time to disposition for domestic relations cases in Butler County is approximately:
- Dissolutions: 90 days
- Divorces without children: 180 days
- Divorces with children: 240 days
Procedural requirements that affect timing include:
- Mandatory 30-day waiting period after service of process
- Required parenting education classes for cases involving minor children
- Mediation referrals for custody and parenting time disputes
- Financial disclosure completion timeframes
- Statutory waiting periods for certain actions
The court may expedite cases involving emergency circumstances such as domestic violence or immediate financial hardship through special motion procedures.
How Long Does Butler County Keep Divorce Records?
Butler County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Ohio law and administrative regulations. These schedules ensure the preservation of important legal documents while allowing for the eventual disposition of older records according to established protocols.
The retention periods for divorce records in Butler County are as follows:
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Active Case Files:
- Location: Butler County Clerk of Courts
- Retention period: Minimum of 5 years from case closure
- Format: Original paper documents and electronic records
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Semi-Active Records:
- Location: Butler County Records Center
- Retention period: 20-25 years from case closure
- Format: Original paper documents with microfilm/digital backups
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Permanent Records:
- Location: Butler County Archives and Ohio Historical Society
- Retention period: Permanent preservation
- Format: Microfilm/digital archives with selected original documents
According to Ohio Revised Code § 149.38, which governs county records commissions and retention schedules, certain components of divorce files must be permanently retained, including:
- Final decrees and judgments
- Shared parenting decrees
- Property division orders
- Name change orders
Other case documents may be disposed of after the applicable retention period, though indexes to these cases are maintained permanently to provide reference capability.
For research involving historical divorce records (pre-1950), researchers may need to contact:
Butler County Records Center & Archives
123 North Third Street
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3437
The county's records retention schedules are periodically reviewed and updated by the Butler County Records Commission in accordance with state guidelines and local needs.
How To Get a Divorce In Butler County
Individuals seeking to terminate a marriage in Butler County must follow established legal procedures through the Butler County Domestic Relations Court. The process varies depending on whether parties pursue a dissolution (mutual agreement) or divorce (with or without agreement on terms).
The general process for obtaining a divorce in Butler County includes:
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Determine the appropriate filing type:
- Dissolution: Both parties agree on all terms (property, support, custody)
- Uncontested Divorce: One party files, other does not contest
- Contested Divorce: Parties disagree on one or more substantive issues
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Meet residency requirements:
- At least one spouse must have been an Ohio resident for six months
- The filing must occur in a county where either spouse has resided for at least 90 days
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Prepare and file required documents with:
Butler County Domestic Relations Court
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3100
Butler County Domestic Relations Court
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Pay filing fees:
- Dissolution: $300
- Divorce without children: $325
- Divorce with children: $350
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
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Serve documents on the other spouse (if filing for divorce rather than dissolution)
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Complete mandatory requirements:
- Financial disclosure affidavits
- Parenting education classes (for cases involving children)
- Mediation (if ordered by the court)
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Attend required hearings:
- Temporary orders hearings (if requested)
- Pretrial conferences
- Final hearing or trial
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Obtain final decree after judicial approval of agreements or court determination of disputed issues
The Butler County Domestic Relations Court provides forms, instructions, and procedural information on their website. While individuals may represent themselves in divorce proceedings, complex cases involving significant assets, businesses, or contested custody issues often benefit from legal representation.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Butler County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Butler County must obtain and complete the appropriate legal forms based on their specific circumstances. Multiple methods exist for acquiring these documents, ensuring accessibility for all county residents.
To obtain divorce papers in Butler County, individuals may:
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Download forms directly from the court website:
- Visit the Butler County Domestic Relations Court website
- Navigate to the "Forms" section
- Select appropriate packet based on case type (dissolution, divorce with/without children)
- Print all required forms and instructions
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Request forms in person from:
Butler County Domestic Relations Court
315 High Street, 2nd Floor
Hamilton, OH 45011
513-887-3100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Access forms through legal assistance programs:
Butler County Legal Aid Society
215 East 9th Street
Cincinnati, OH 45202
513-241-9400
- Utilize the Ohio Supreme Court's standardized forms:
- Available at Ohio Supreme Court Domestic Relations Forms
- Accepted in all Ohio counties including Butler County
- Includes detailed instructions for completion
Required documents typically include:
- Petition/Complaint for Divorce or Dissolution
- Case Designation Form
- Affidavit of Income and Expenses
- Affidavit of Property
- Parenting Proceeding Affidavit (for cases with children)
- Health Insurance Affidavit
- Request for Service
Individuals should note that while forms are readily available, the proper completion of these documents requires attention to detail and accurate information. The court cannot provide legal advice regarding form completion, though procedural guidance is available from court staff.
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