If you’re searching for Butler County, Ohio Clerk of Courts, you’ve come to the right place to understand everything this office does. From managing court records to filing cases and paying fines, the Clerk of Courts plays a central role in keeping the legal system organized and accessible.

Whether you need to search court cases online, request certified documents, file legal paperwork, pay traffic fines, or handle vehicle title services, understanding how this office works will save you time and avoid unnecessary stress. This guide walks you step-by-step through all essential services and helpful tips.

Clerk of Courts of Butler County, Ohio

Butler County, Ohio Clerk of Courts

What Is the Butler County Clerk of Courts?

The Butler County Clerk of Courts is the official record-keeper for the Common Pleas Court divisions and Title Division in Butler County. The office maintains court case records, processes filings, collects court costs and fines, and manages vehicle and watercraft titles.

The Clerk serves the public, judges, attorneys, and government agencies by ensuring court documents are properly recorded and accessible under Ohio law.

This Office Supports:

• Common Pleas Court – General Division: Civil lawsuits, major criminal cases, and appeals
  
• Domestic Relations Division: Divorce, child custody, support cases
  
• Area Courts (Area I, II, III): Traffic, misdemeanor criminal cases, small civil claims
  
• Title Division: Vehicle and watercraft titles
  

Services Provided by the Butler County Clerk of Courts

1. Court Record Management

The Clerk’s Office maintains and protects all official court records.

• Filing and maintaining civil and criminal case documents
  
• Managing domestic relations records
  
• Updating court dockets and hearing schedules
  
• Providing certified copies upon request
  

2. Case Filing Services

The office accepts and processes legal filings for the Common Pleas Court.

• Filing civil complaints and motions
  
• Divorce and domestic filings
  
• Criminal case filings
  
• Appeals and judgment entries
  

Documents must meet court formatting and filing requirements.

3. Online Case Search

Butler County provides online case search access through its official Clerk of Courts website.

You can:

• View case status
  
• Check court dates
  
• Review docket entries
  
• Look up traffic citations
  
• Search by name or case number
  

This helps residents avoid unnecessary courthouse visits.

4. Document Issuance Services

The Clerk issues official court documents such as:

• Summons and subpoenas
  
• Writs and court orders
  
• Certified copies of judgments
  
• Official court certifications
  

Certified copies require a fee as established by Ohio law.

5. Vehicle & Title Division

The Butler County Clerk operates Title Offices responsible for vehicle ownership documentation.

Services include:

• Issuing new vehicle titles
  
• Transferring ownership
  
• Recording liens
  
• Handling out-of-state titles
  
• Watercraft and boat titles
  
• Duplicate title issuance
  

Title services follow Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles regulations.

6. Passport Application Services

The Clerk of Courts office also serves as a passport acceptance facility.

Services include:

• Accepting new passport applications
  
• Verifying required documentation
  
• Processing passport photos (if available at location)
  
• Collecting federal passport fees
  

Renewals may require direct mailing depending on eligibility.

7. Public Records Access & Requests

The Clerk provides public access to court records as permitted by law.

• Public access terminals at courthouse
  
• Online search portal
  
• Certified copy requests
  
• Assistance locating archived files
  

Certain confidential or sealed cases are restricted by law.

How to Access Butler County Court Records

Most visitors contact the Clerk’s Office to obtain case information.

Online Case Search

You can search using:

• Case Number
  
• Party Name
  
• Ticket Number
  
• Attorney Name
  
• Business or Company Name
  

Information You Can Access

In-Person Records Request

Visit the Clerk’s Office if you need:

• Certified copies
  
• Historical case records
  
• Large document requests
  
• Sealed or archived file guidance
  

Photo ID may be required for some records.

How to File a Case with the Butler County Clerk of Courts

To begin a new case:

1. Prepare – Gather required legal documents and complete forms
   
2. Submit – File documents electronically or in person
   
3. Pay Filing Fee – Required court costs must be paid
   
4. Receive Case Number – For tracking and court reference
   
5. Track Case Online – Monitor updates and hearing dates
   

The Clerk ensures documents are processed and forwarded to the appropriate judge.

Fees and Payments

The Clerk’s Office collects payments for:

• Civil case filing fees
  
• Divorce and domestic relations fees
  
• Criminal court costs
  
• Traffic fines
  
• Vehicle title fees
  

Payment Methods:

• Online (where available)
  
• In person
  
• By mail
  

Exact fee amounts depend on case type and are listed on the official Clerk website.

Why the Clerk of Courts Is Important

The Butler County Clerk of Courts plays a critical role in maintaining transparency and organization within the judicial system.

The office:

• Maintains official court records
  
• Ensures legal documents are filed properly
  
• Provides public access to court information
  
• Supports judges and attorneys
  
• Facilitates vehicle title processing
  

Without the Clerk’s Office, court cases cannot move forward efficiently.

Tips for First-Time Users

If visiting the Clerk’s Office for the first time:

• Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
  
• Keep your case number available
  
• Use online search tools before visiting
  
• Call ahead for certified copy fees
  
• File documents before court deadlines
  

Conclusion

The Butler County, Ohio Clerk of Courts is a vital public office responsible for court records, case filings, title services, and public access to legal information.

Whether you need to search cases online, file documents, pay fines, or transfer a vehicle title, understanding how this office operates helps prevent delays and confusion.

Using official Clerk services ensures accuracy, compliance, and smooth legal processing.

FAQs