Duties of the Recorder of Deeds
The Recorder of Deeds is responsible for making record of documents primarily in real estate and the issuance of Marriage Licenses. In addition to the following:
- File and maintain federal and state tax liens.
- File and maintain military discharges (Regulations and Request forms).
- Miscellaneous documents may be recorded upon request and compliance with statutes.
- Records in this office provide data about real estate transactions in a historical perspective.
- Deeds, deeds of trust, releases, easements, surveys, plats, restrictions, cemetery deeds, wills, road right of ways, articles of incorporation, patents, affidavits and marriage license information make up an example of the documents.
- Researchers from all over the United States come into the Recorder’s Office’s to do genealogy on family history.
Scam Alert
There have been some mailings going out from companies not affiliated with our office stating you can pay $100 or more for copies of your property’s deed history. Never send them any info or money they request. If you ever need a copy of your deed please call or stop by our office.
Debby
Lundstrom
Recorder of Deeds
Physical Address
100 N Main Street
Room 106
Poplar Bluff, MO 63901
Phone: 573-686-8086
Hours: 8am-4pm
Office Manager – Mandy Allen
Deputy Recorders –
- Audrey Johnston
- Tarah Moore
- Amanda Hill
Record Search
A countywide elected office with a 4-year term, the recorder’s position is held by Debby Lundstrom. Mrs. Lundstrom was elected in 1995 as Recorder of Deeds in Butler County.
Office Functions
& Duties
General Index
Abstract of deeds, deeds of trust and miscellaneous documents that are entered by all parties under both a grantor grantee system. It is maintained for reference back to 1845. Date, kind of instrument, book and page and description are listed. Access to computerized real estate records start in 1970.
Marriage License
Applications are indexed with both the bride and groom. Both the application and the license are recorded giving the names, residence, age, and other information of the parties. A monthly report is sent to the Bureau of Vital Records containing information from the marriage application. Access to computerized marriage records start in 1845.
Fees
All fees are set by law and are turned over to the County Treasurer with the exception of special fees collected and forwarded directly to the state each month.
Reports
A monthly report of all fees collected is given to the Butler County Commission. A copy is also furnished to the Treasurer with the fees. A yearly report is given to County Treasurer and to the County Commission.
Index to Release Deeds and Assignments
An index for release of a lien either in part of full by both parties. It has the same information as the general index. Access to computerized real estate records start in 1970. Uniform Commercial Code [UCC) UCC filings are centralized at the Secretary of State’s office http://www.sos.mo.gov. Fixture filings remain at the County level in the real estate records.
State & Federal Tax Liens and Releases
Tax liens are indexed by taxpayer name. The index provides the taxpayer name, address, type of tax lien, and amount of the tax lien. Access to computerized tax lien records start in 1976.
Military Discharge Records (DD 214)
This is an index to military discharges in Butler County giving the name, address, service branch, discharge date and recorded book and page numbers. It also lists some biographical information. These records are closed and may only be obtained by authorized parties. Please call the Recorder’s office for info.
Butler County Surveyor’s Records
These records provide preservation by law in the Recorder’s Office. The Butler County Recorder’s Office has implemented the index for his records into their computer system for easy searching. The office also has the microfilm fiche provided by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Retrieval
The Recorder’s Office assists in the searching and instructing of the public in the handling and retrieval of records, both old and new.
Copies to Assessor
Copies of all deeds and deeds of trust are furnished to the Assessor each week as a basis of the tax assessment system.
Recorder FAQ’s
Who will prepare my documents for recording?
The recorder’s office does not prepare real estate documents. It is the submitter’s responsibility to prepare your document correctly. Recorders do not change or alter documents. Getting legal advice and directions from a title company or real estate attorney is advisable for preparation of all land documents.
How is property ownership conveyed from one party to another?
In order to change ownership, a new deed will need to be prepared. Please consult with your Title Company or attorney regarding changes to your property deed, beneficiary deeds, estate planning, etc.
I made a change to the document and need to record it over. Can documents be re-recorded?
You must have a new cover page with correct margins, first page state requirements, and new signatures that have been re-acknowledged. Must state on the first page that this is a re-recording, give reason for re-recording, recorded date, and book/page number of the document being corrected. It is always best to do a corrected recording if possible.
Where is my release deed? The loan company said they sent it for recording.
All recordings are returned to the submitter or their servicing company.
How do I get a tax lien off of my credit report?
When the State of Missouri or the IRS files a lien with the local recorder’s office, independent credit bureau searchers input the lien into your credit report. When the lien has been released by the filing office, they are supposed to send the release or discharge to the correct Recorders office to be put on record with the original filing. Sometimes the Recorders office does not receive the release; in that case please contact the State of Missouri at 1-573-751-7200 for information regarding state tax liens, or the IRS at 1-800-913-6050 for information regarding federal tax liens.