Horry County South Carolina Court Records offer transparent access to legal documents, case filings, and official judgments for residents, attorneys, and researchers. Managed by the Clerk of Court and Records Management Division, these records include civil, criminal, family, and probate cases under South Carolina’s public records law. Whether you need certified copies, docket searches, or real-time case updates, Horry County provides in-person, mail, and online access options with clear fees and procedures. This resource explains how to locate, request, and use court records efficiently while complying with state regulations and security policies.
Official Court Records Access Points
Horry County maintains two primary locations for accessing court records: the historic Government & Justice Center at 1301 Second Avenue in Conway and the modern service center at 9630 Scipio Lane in Myrtle Beach. Both sites operate Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with certified copy services available during these hours. The Clerk of Court preserves case files, summonses, judgments, and docket entries for Circuit and Family Courts. Requests require a completed Records Request Form, valid government-issued photo ID, and payment of state-mandated fees—$15 per request plus $10 per PDF document with tax. Online access is available through the county’s secure portal after email verification, allowing limited PDF downloads for non-confidential cases.
Public Index and Online Search Tools
The South Carolina Judicial Department provides a free Public Index for the 15th Judicial Circuit, enabling searches by case number, party name, or filing date. Results display case status, hearing schedules, assigned judges, and docket summaries without requiring courthouse visits. Users must register with a valid email address to receive automated alerts for case updates. For land records, the Official Records Search tool allows queries by grantor/grantee name or book/page number, with archives dating back to 1909 for deeds and 1975 for electronic recordings. Each record purchase costs $10 plus tax, and sensitive information may be redacted per privacy laws.
Passport Services and Courthouse Security
The Clerk’s Office processes U.S. passport applications Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., at both the Conway and Myrtle Beach locations. Applicants must present a government-issued photo ID, one passport-sized photo, and fees set by the U.S. Department of State. Security personnel enforce a strict weapons-free policy; firearms, blades, or pointed tools are confiscated and may lead to criminal citations. For security inquiries, call 843-915-6743 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. These measures ensure safety while maintaining efficient access to essential services.
Family and Probate Court Records
Family Court operates two secure web portals: a Public Portal for case information and child support details, and an Attorney Portal requiring state bar credentials for confidential filings. Both use two-factor authentication and encrypt data in transit. The Probate Court, overseen by Judge Kathy G. Ward, handles estate administration, guardianships, and fiduciary matters. Contact the court at (843) 915-5370 or visit 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Certified copies follow the same request process as other court records.
Records Management and Disposition Policies
The Records Management Division oversees the lifecycle of all county documents, including scheduling, transfers, vital records, and standardized forms. A “Notice of Intent to Destroy Records” is issued 30 days before permanent deletion, as required by South Carolina Rule 12-30-10. The office, located at 3230 Highway 319, Conway, SC 29526, can be reached at (843) 915-5420 or fax (843) 915-1240. Business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. This ensures compliance with state retention schedules and protects public access rights.
Courtroom Distribution and Judicial Resources
Horry County operates fourteen courtrooms serving over 310,000 residents across 1,134 square miles. This equates to one courtroom per 22,156 people and one per 80 square miles. According to the South Carolina Judicial Council’s 2024 report, Horry ranks 40th of 46 counties for courts per capita but 21st for courts per square mile, reflecting dense judicial coverage in coastal areas. Facilities range from Juvenile Court to Probate Court, ensuring accessible legal proceedings for all communities.
Legal Compliance and Public Access Rights
All judicial documents in Horry County are public records under South Carolina Code § 30-7-40, including pleadings, judgments, dockets, and testimonies. Records are indexed by case number, party name, and filing date, enabling precise searches for civil disputes, criminal arraignments, or property cases. Certified copies require identity verification and fee payment, with online portals streamlining access for verified users. These policies uphold transparency while protecting sensitive information under state law.
Contact Information and Service Hours
For court records inquiries, contact the Clerk of Court at (843) 915-5080 or visit the official website at horrycounty.org. The main office is located at 9630 Scipio Lane, Myrtle Beach, SC, with additional services at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC. Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For security questions, call 843-915-6743 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. All services adhere to South Carolina’s public records statutes and county policies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Horry County South Carolina Court Records include access methods, fees, security rules, and online tools. Below are detailed answers to help users navigate the system efficiently and comply with all requirements.
How do I request certified copies of court records in Horry County?
To request certified copies, complete a Records Request Form, present a valid government-issued photo ID, and pay the required fees—$15 per request plus $10 per PDF document with tax. Visit either the Conway or Myrtle Beach Clerk’s Office Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or submit requests by mail. Online requests are available through the county’s secure portal after email verification. Certified copies are typically processed within 3-5 business days, depending on case complexity and volume. Ensure your request includes the case number, party names, and specific documents needed to avoid delays.
What items are prohibited at Horry County courthouses?
Weapons of any type, including firearms, blades, or pointed tools, are strictly prohibited on courthouse premises. Security personnel will confiscate these items and may issue criminal citations. For clarification on prohibited items, call the security desk at 843-915-6743 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. daily. This policy ensures safety for all visitors and staff while maintaining efficient court operations. Always check the official website for updates on security protocols before visiting.
Can I search court records online without visiting the courthouse?
Yes, the South Carolina Judicial Department provides a free Public Index for the 15th Judicial Circuit, allowing searches by case number, party name, or filing date. Users must register with a valid email address to access case status, hearing dates, and docket summaries. For land records, the Official Records Search tool enables queries by grantor/grantee name or book/page number. Online access is available 24/7, but certified copies require in-person or mail requests with proper identification and fees.
What are the fees for obtaining court records in Horry County?
Fees for court records include a $15 processing charge per request and $10 per PDF document plus applicable tax. Certified copies may incur additional costs based on page count and complexity. Payment is required at the time of request, and forms of payment vary by location—check the Clerk’s Office website for accepted methods. Fee waivers are not available for standard requests, but indigent parties may contact the court for guidance on alternative options.
How long does it take to process a court records request?
Standard requests are processed within 3-5 business days, while complex or voluminous cases may take longer. Online PDF downloads are available immediately after verification for eligible cases. Certified copies require additional time for authentication and delivery. Rush services are not offered, so plan requests accordingly. For urgent needs, contact the Clerk’s Office directly to discuss expedited options, though no guarantees are provided.
Are family court records available to the public?
Family court records are public under South Carolina law but may contain redactions for sensitive information like child identities or financial details. The Public Portal allows access to case summaries, hearing schedules, and child support statements. Confidential filings, such as adoption or abuse cases, require attorney credentials or court approval for access. Always verify the record type and purpose before submitting a request to ensure compliance with privacy regulations.
Where can I find probate court records in Horry County?
Probate court records are managed by Judge Kathy G. Ward’s office at 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526. Contact the court at (843) 915-5370 or fax (843) 915-6370 for inquiries. Records include estate filings, guardianship appointments, and fiduciary matters. Certified copies follow the same request process as other court records, requiring a completed form, ID, and fees. Online access is limited; most probate documents must be obtained in person or by mail.
Official Resources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, visit the official Horry County website at horrycounty.org or contact the Clerk of Court at (843) 915-5080. The Records Management Division can be reached at (843) 915-5420, and security inquiries should be directed to 843-915-6743. All services operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with online tools available 24/7 for public access.