Data You Give Us Directly
Search Queries
When a name, location, or other search term is entered into a search tool on this site, that input goes to the third-party provider that runs the search. They process it and return results. We do not store or log those search terms on our end.
Messages and Contact Submissions
If someone sends us an email or submits a message, we keep that message so we can reply. We do not share it outside our organization unless a legal obligation requires it. Official McDonald County records requests should still go to the Circuit Clerk, County Clerk, Recorder of Deeds, Sheriff's Office, municipal court, or other custodian that keeps the record.
Data We Gather Automatically
Every time a page on this site loads, our servers may receive technical details about the visit:
- The IP address assigned to the device
- Browser type and version
- Device type and operating system
- Pages visited and time spent on each page
- The site that referred the visit, if any
- Timestamps for each page view
Cookies
We use cookies to understand how visitors use the McDonald County pages, which pages get traffic, and where technical issues appear. Browser settings can block cookies. Some parts of the site may behave differently when cookies are blocked.
What We Do With This Data
- Keep the site running and loading properly
- Send search requests to the correct third-party partner service
- Understand which McDonald County record topics people use most
- Find and fix technical problems
- Show ads that may align with visitor interests
Links to Other Websites
This site links to Missouri Case.net, McDonald County offices, municipal courts, the Sheriff's Office, the Missouri State Archives, Missouri statutes, federal court resources, legal aid or public defender resources, and third-party search tools. Clicking any outside link leaves this site. The privacy policy and data practices of that outside site then control the visit.
Missouri public-record access is governed in part by the Sunshine Law, including RSMo 610.011 and RSMo 610.023, but those laws do not control how every private website or advertising partner handles visitor data.
Who Might See Your Data
We do not sell personal data. Some information may be visible to:
- Search partners that handle queries run through search tools
- Analytics services used for traffic and performance measurement
- Ad networks that place ads on the site
- Law enforcement, courts, or government bodies if a valid legal order requires disclosure
How We Protect Your Data
We use standard security practices to protect the information we collect. No internet-connected system is perfect, so we cannot promise that a breach or unauthorized access will never occur.
Users Under 18
This site is intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information from anyone under 18. If a minor has shared data with us, we will delete it when we become aware of it.
Your Data Rights
- Ask for a copy of personal data we have on file
- Ask us to correct information that is wrong
- Request deletion of personal data
- Opt out of certain data processing where applicable
Updates to This Policy
We may update this privacy policy over time. The updated version takes effect when it appears on this page.