Search Horry County Family Court Records
Horry County family court records are kept by the Clerk of Court at the Horry County Family Court in Conway, the county seat. The Family Court is part of the 15th Judicial Circuit and handles divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, protection orders, and juvenile matters for all Horry County residents including those in Myrtle Beach and Conway. Search Horry County family court case records online at sccourts.org or contact the Horry County Clerk of Court to request copies in person.
Horry County Quick Facts
Horry County Family Court Overview
The Horry County Family Court is located in Conway, the county seat. The Clerk of Court keeps all case files and processes document requests for family court records. Because Horry County has grown rapidly, the court handles a high volume of cases each year. The Clerk of Court office manages records for the entire county, including residents of Myrtle Beach, Conway, North Myrtle Beach, and all other Horry County communities.
The Horry County official website provides county services information including links to court resources.
Family court judges in the 15th Circuit are elected by the South Carolina General Assembly for six-year terms. There are at least two resident judges who hear cases in Horry County. Judges decide matters of divorce, custody, support, and other family law issues that come before the court. The Clerk of Court staff can answer questions about where to file and what documents are needed for Horry County family court cases.
The Horry County Clerk of Court provides access to court records including family court filings.
| Court |
Horry County Family Court Horry County Courthouse Conway, SC 29526 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Circuit | 15th Judicial Circuit |
| Clerk Website | horrycountysc.gov |
Horry County Family Court Records Access
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index is the primary online tool for searching Horry County family court case records. Go to sccourts.org/case-records-search, select Horry County, accept the disclaimer, and search by party name, case number, or date range. The Public Index shows basic case information for free. It does not display sealed records or records restricted by court order. This tool is a good starting point for any Horry County family court records search.
The Horry County Clerk of Court website at horrycountysc.gov also provides information about available court services and how to access case records. For certified copies of documents or review of the full case file, you need to visit or contact the Clerk of Court in Conway. The volume of cases in Horry County means processing times can vary. Call ahead before you visit to make sure you have everything you need.
Note: Family court records involving juvenile matters, adoption, and some protection proceedings are restricted in Horry County and are not available through the Public Index or over-the-counter requests.
Types of Family Court Cases in Horry County
Horry County Family Court handles all family law case types under South Carolina law. The court serves a large and diverse population, including many residents who have relocated to the Myrtle Beach area. Common case types in Horry County include divorce, custody disputes, child support modifications, and domestic abuse protection orders. The court also handles juvenile matters for minors under 18 who live in Horry County, except for traffic and certain fish and game violations.
Custody cases in Horry County often involve relocation disputes, as the area attracts people from other states. The Family Court uses the best interests of the child standard under S.C. Code Ann. § 63-15-240, weighing 16 statutory factors to determine custody arrangements. All custody orders, parenting plans, and modification motions become part of the Horry County family court record. These records can be searched through the Public Index using a party name or case number.
Common family court case types in Horry County:
- Divorce and legal separation
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support and modification
- Domestic abuse protection orders
- Adoption and termination of parental rights
- Alimony and spousal support
- Paternity actions
- Name changes
- Juvenile delinquency petitions
Horry County Family Court Filing Fees
The filing fee for most Horry County family court cases is $150. This fee applies to new complaints for divorce, custody, support, adoption, and paternity. The fee is set by South Carolina law and applies to all 46 counties. You pay the filing fee when you submit your complaint to the Horry County Clerk of Court.
No filing fee is required in Horry County for DSS Abuse and Neglect cases, Juvenile Delinquency petitions, or Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. These cases can be filed at no cost. If you cannot pay the $150 fee due to financial hardship, you may file an affidavit of indigency with the Horry County Family Court to request a waiver. The court reviews the request and may waive or defer the fee.
How to Get Copies of Horry County Family Court Records
Visit the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway to request copies of family court records. Bring a photo ID and the case number or names of the parties. Staff will locate the case file and provide copies for a per-page fee. Certified copies cost more than plain copies but are required for most legal and official purposes. The Clerk can certify copies of orders, decrees, and other filed documents in Horry County.
You can also submit a written request by mail to the Horry County Clerk of Court. Include the case details, the documents you need, your contact information, and a check or money order for the estimated fees. Allow several days for processing mail requests in Horry County. For urgent needs, visiting in person is faster. Some records from older cases may require additional time to locate in the Horry County archives.
Horry County Family Court Forms and Self-Help
Official court forms for Horry County family court cases are available at sccourts.org/court-forms. These forms are approved by the South Carolina Supreme Court for use in all counties, including Horry County. They cover support, visitation, and certain protective proceedings. Review the instructions carefully before filling out any form for your Horry County case.
Self-represented parties should be aware that family court cases can be complex, especially in a county as large as Horry. The SC Judicial Branch website has self-help guides for common case types. The Horry County Public Library also has legal reference materials that can help you understand the process. If your case involves contested custody or significant property, speaking with a family law attorney before filing is strongly advisable.
Legal Help in Horry County
South Carolina Legal Services helps low-income residents of Horry County with family court cases. Their statewide LATIS intake line is 1-888-346-5592. They can assist with custody, support, protective orders, and other family law matters at no cost to qualifying clients. The SC Bar Lawyer Referral Service at 803-799-7100 can connect you with a family law attorney practicing in the Myrtle Beach and Conway area.
For child support questions, the SC Department of Social Services provides services through dss.sc.gov/child-support. DSS can help Horry County residents establish paternity, set up support orders, and enforce existing orders. These services are available regardless of whether you have an attorney. The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org also has general information about family court procedures that applies to Horry County cases.
Related Records in Horry County
The Horry County Probate Court maintains marriage licenses, which are needed as evidence in divorce proceedings. The Register of Deeds records property deeds and liens that may be relevant in divorce and property division cases. The Horry County official website at horrycounty.org provides links to many county departments and services that may connect to family court matters. Birth records from SC Vital Records may also be needed in custody and paternity cases.
The SC DSS Child Support Division has local offices that serve Horry County. If you have a child support order from Horry County Family Court, DSS can help with enforcement and modification. For domestic abuse situations, local shelters and advocacy organizations in the Myrtle Beach and Conway areas can assist with protection order paperwork and court accompaniment. The Horry County Family Court has a process for filing emergency protection orders for immediate safety needs.
Nearby Counties
Horry County is located along the Grand Strand in northeastern South Carolina. Confirm your county of residence before filing. Family court cases must be filed in the county where you live.