Horry County Court Records
What Is Horry County Court Records
Court records in Horry County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's jurisdiction. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under South Carolina Code of Laws § 30-4-20(c), which classifies court records as public information maintained by public bodies.
Court records typically include:
- Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
- Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
- Judicial orders and final judgments
- Transcripts of court proceedings
- Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
- Sentencing and probation records in criminal matters
- Settlement agreements in civil cases
These records are distinct from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments.
In Horry County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:
- Circuit Court (General Sessions for criminal and Common Pleas for civil matters)
- Family Court (domestic relations, juvenile cases)
- Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Magistrate Courts (small claims, minor criminal offenses)
- Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, traffic infractions)
The Horry County Clerk of Court serves as the official custodian for Circuit and Family Court records, while other courts maintain their respective records according to state regulations and retention schedules.
Are Court Records Public In Horry County
Court records in Horry County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the constitutional principle of open courts established in Article I, § 9 of the South Carolina Constitution. This legal framework establishes the presumption that judicial proceedings and their associated records are open to public inspection.
The following court records are typically available for public access:
- Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed matters)
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Court dockets and calendars
- Final judgments and orders
- Marriage licenses and divorce decrees
- Probate records including wills and estate inventories
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed by court order, including:
- Juvenile records (except in specific circumstances)
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined in S.C. Code § 30-2-310
- Adoption proceedings
- Mental health commitment records
- Cases involving minors as victims of certain crimes
- Records sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy interests
Access to federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina is governed by federal rules rather than state law, though similar principles of openness apply.
The South Carolina Judicial Department has established specific rules regarding public access to court records, balancing transparency with privacy concerns in accordance with state law.
How To Find Court Records in Horry County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Horry County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently maintains both in-person and electronic access options.
For in-person requests:
- Identify the appropriate court that holds the desired records
- Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
- Complete a records request form specifying case number, party names, or other identifying information
- Present valid photo identification
- Pay applicable search and copy fees as established by state law
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Clerk of Court
For Circuit and Family Court records, requestors may submit the Court Records Search Request Form as prescribed by the South Carolina Judicial Department.
Electronic access options include:
- Utilizing the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index for case information
- Accessing the Horry County Public Index for searchable court records
- Submitting email requests to the appropriate clerk's office with required information and payment arrangements
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 14-1-240, fees for copies of court records are set at $1.00 per page for the first 10 pages and $0.50 for each additional page, plus applicable search fees. Certified copies incur additional charges as established by statute.
How To Look Up Court Records in Horry County Online?
Horry County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems vary by court type and record category.
The primary online resources include:
-
South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
- Accessible at https://portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov/
- Contains Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions) and Family Court cases
- Search parameters include:
- Case number
- Party name
- Filing date range
- Case type
- Displays case summary information, party details, and docket entries
- Full document images may not be available for all cases
-
Horry County Clerk of Court Online Records
- Available through the county website
- Provides access to Circuit and Family Court records
- Requires registration for certain detailed information
- Updated daily with new filings and case actions
-
South Carolina Court Administration E-Filing System
- Used primarily by attorneys and legal professionals
- Provides access to electronically filed documents
- Requires registration and authentication
To conduct an online search:
- Navigate to the appropriate portal based on the court and record type
- Create an account if required by the system
- Enter search criteria (minimum information requirements vary by system)
- Review search results to identify relevant cases
- Access available document images or case summaries
- Pay any applicable fees for document access or downloads
Users should note that pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department Order 2015-05-13-01, certain personal identifiers are redacted from publicly accessible court records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and names of minor children.
How To Search Horry County Court Records for Free?
South Carolina law provides for public inspection of court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-4-30(a), "Any person has a right to inspect, copy, or receive a copy of any public record of a public body in accordance with the provisions of this chapter."
Free access options in Horry County include:
- In-Person Inspection
- Visit the appropriate courthouse during business hours
- Request to view specific case files at public terminals
- No fee for visual inspection of records
- Records must be reviewed on-site
Horry County Judicial Complex
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Horry County Clerk of Court
-
South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
- Basic case information available without charge
- Accessible at https://portal.fccms.dss.sc.gov/
- Provides case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case types
- Document images may require payment
-
Public Library Access
- Some Horry County public libraries offer free access to court record databases
- Staff assistance may be available for research guidance
- Limited to available computer terminal time
-
Criminal Records Check
- Limited free searches through SLED CATCH (Citizens Access to Criminal Histories)
- Basic conviction information may be available without charge
- Detailed reports require payment
Researchers should note that while inspection is free, the South Carolina Judicial Department authorizes fees for copies, certified documents, and extensive searches requiring staff assistance. These fees are established pursuant to S.C. Code § 14-1-240 and may vary by court.
What's Included in a Horry County Court Record?
Court records in Horry County contain various documents depending on the case type and stage of proceedings. The content of these records is governed by the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure and South Carolina Rules of Criminal Procedure.
Civil Case Records typically include:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Defendant's answer or response
- Motions filed by either party
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Court orders and rulings
- Final judgment or dismissal
- Post-judgment collection documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Criminal Case Records generally contain:
- Indictment or information
- Arrest warrant or citation
- Bond or bail information
- Defendant's plea
- Pre-trial motions and responses
- Evidence lists and exhibits
- Witness lists
- Jury selection records (if applicable)
- Sentencing information
- Probation or parole documents
- Appeal notices and related filings
Family Court Records may include:
- Divorce petitions and decrees
- Child custody and support orders
- Visitation schedules
- Financial declarations
- Property division agreements
- Adoption records (typically sealed)
- Juvenile proceedings (access restricted)
- Protection orders
- Name change petitions
Probate Court Records typically contain:
- Wills and codicils
- Estate inventories and appraisals
- Letters of administration
- Claims against estates
- Guardianship and conservatorship documents
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Settlement statements
- Distribution receipts
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-2-310, certain personal identifying information is redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and dates of birth.
How Long Does Horry County Keep Court Records?
Horry County adheres to the South Carolina Department of Archives and History Records Retention Schedules for maintaining court records. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various document types as mandated by state law.
Key retention periods include:
Circuit Court - Common Pleas (Civil)
- Case files: 10 years after final disposition
- Judgment rolls: Permanent
- Judgment indexes: Permanent
- Docket books: Permanent
- Jury lists and verdicts: 3 years
Circuit Court - General Sessions (Criminal)
- Case files (felonies): 15 years after final disposition
- Case files (misdemeanors): 10 years after final disposition
- Docket books: Permanent
- Sentencing sheets: Permanent
- Expunged records: Destroyed as ordered by the court
Family Court
- Divorce proceedings: Permanent
- Child support cases: Until the youngest child reaches age 21, plus 3 years
- Juvenile records: Until subject reaches age 21, then sealed
- Adoption records: Permanent (sealed)
- Protection orders: 15 years
Probate Court
- Wills: Permanent
- Estate administration: Permanent
- Guardianship/Conservatorship: Permanent
- Mental health proceedings: 10 years after case closure
Magistrate Court
- Civil cases: 3 years after final disposition
- Criminal cases: 10 years after final disposition
- Traffic cases: 3 years after final disposition
These retention periods are established pursuant to S.C. Code § 30-1-90, which authorizes the Department of Archives and History to establish records management programs for public records. Records of historical significance may be transferred to the state archives for permanent preservation rather than destruction after their retention period expires.
Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The county maintains backup systems to ensure the preservation of electronic court records in accordance with state mandates.
Types of Courts In Horry County
Horry County's judicial system consists of several courts with varying jurisdictions and authority levels. Each court handles specific case types as prescribed by South Carolina law.
Horry County Circuit Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Horry County Clerk of Court
The Circuit Court is divided into:
- Common Pleas (civil matters)
- General Sessions (criminal matters)
Horry County Family Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Horry County Family Court
Horry County Probate Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5202
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Horry County Probate Court
Horry County Magistrate Courts Multiple locations throughout the county, including:
Central Jury Court
1201 21st Avenue North, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-915-8800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Conway Magistrate Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5370
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Municipal Courts Serve individual municipalities within Horry County:
Myrtle Beach Municipal Court
1101 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-918-1382
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
North Myrtle Beach Municipal Court
1015 2nd Avenue South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582
843-280-5684
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The court hierarchy in South Carolina proceeds from Magistrate and Municipal Courts (limited jurisdiction) to Circuit Courts (general jurisdiction), then to the South Carolina Court of Appeals, and finally to the South Carolina Supreme Court as the court of last resort for state matters.
What Types of Cases Do Horry County Courts Hear?
Each court within Horry County's judicial system has specific jurisdictional authority to hear designated case types as established by South Carolina law.
Circuit Court - Common Pleas Division
- Civil actions where the amount in controversy exceeds $7,500
- Real property disputes
- Complex business litigation
- Appeals from Probate Court
- Appeals from Magistrate Court civil cases
- Declaratory judgments
- Injunctions and equitable remedies
- Mortgage foreclosures
- Medical malpractice claims
- Product liability cases
Circuit Court - General Sessions Division
- Felony criminal prosecutions
- Misdemeanors not assigned to lower courts
- Criminal domestic violence (2nd offense and higher)
- Drug trafficking offenses
- Appeals from Magistrate Court criminal cases
- Post-conviction relief proceedings
- Preliminary hearings
- Bond hearings for serious offenses
Family Court
- Divorce proceedings
- Child custody and visitation disputes
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Alimony determinations
- Equitable division of marital property
- Adoption proceedings
- Name changes
- Juvenile delinquency cases
- Child abuse and neglect proceedings
- Domestic violence protection orders
Probate Court
- Wills and estate administration
- Appointment of personal representatives
- Trust administration
- Guardianships for incapacitated adults
- Conservatorships for financial management
- Mental health commitments
- Marriage licenses
- Minor settlements (under $25,000)
Magistrate Courts
- Civil actions where the amount in controversy does not exceed $7,500
- Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
- Claim and delivery actions
- Public intoxication
- Simple assault and battery
- Shoplifting (1st and 2nd offenses)
- Traffic violations (excluding DUI)
- Setting bail for criminal charges
- Preliminary hearings
- Small claims procedures
Municipal Courts
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Traffic offenses within city limits
- Public intoxication
- Disorderly conduct
- Shoplifting (1st offense)
- Open container violations
- Noise ordinance violations
Jurisdiction is determined by factors including the nature of the case, amount in controversy, and geographic location where the incident occurred or parties reside, in accordance with S.C. Code § 14-5-350 and related statutes.
How To Find a Court Docket In Horry County
Court dockets in Horry County provide schedules of upcoming hearings, trials, and other judicial proceedings. These calendars are accessible through several methods as provided by the South Carolina Judicial Department.
To access court dockets:
-
Online Access
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
- Select Horry County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Choose the appropriate court type (Circuit, Family, etc.)
- Search by date range, judge, or case type
- Review the resulting calendar information
-
In-Person Requests
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during business hours
- Request to view the current docket books or printed calendars
- Specify the court division and date range of interest
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Horry County Clerk of Court
-
Telephone Inquiry
- Contact the appropriate court clerk's office
- Provide case number or party name information
- Request hearing date and time information
-
Attorney Access
- Legal representatives can access more detailed docket information through the Attorney Information System
- Requires bar membership and registration
For criminal matters, the General Sessions docket is typically published two weeks prior to the court term. Civil dockets for Common Pleas are usually available 30 days before the scheduled term.
Docket information includes:
- Case number and title
- Assigned judge
- Hearing type (status conference, motion hearing, trial, etc.)
- Scheduled date, time, and courtroom
- Attorney information
- Current case status
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 14-17-540, court clerks are required to maintain accurate dockets of all cases and proceedings, which must be available for public inspection during regular business hours.
Which Courts in Horry County Are Not Courts of Record?
In South Carolina's judicial system, "courts of record" are those required by law to create and maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and comprehensive documentation of all actions taken. Conversely, "courts not of record" typically maintain only summary records of proceedings and decisions.
Pursuant to S.C. Code § 14-25-45, the following Horry County courts are classified as courts not of record:
Municipal Courts
- Myrtle Beach Municipal Court
- North Myrtle Beach Municipal Court
- Conway Municipal Court
- Surfside Beach Municipal Court
- Atlantic Beach Municipal Court
- Loris Municipal Court
- Aynor Municipal Court
Magistrate Courts
- All Horry County Magistrate Court locations
These courts typically handle:
- Traffic violations
- Minor criminal offenses
- Small claims civil matters
- Municipal ordinance violations
- Preliminary hearings
Key characteristics of courts not of record include:
- No verbatim transcript of proceedings unless specifically requested
- Simplified procedural rules
- More informal proceedings
- Appeals from these courts result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) at the Circuit Court level
- Records consist primarily of case files with judgment information rather than detailed transcripts
By contrast, Horry County courts of record include:
- Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions)
- Family Court
- Probate Court
These courts maintain comprehensive records including verbatim transcripts of all proceedings, detailed evidence logs, and complete documentation of all motions, orders, and judicial actions.
The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is significant for appeal purposes, as appeals from courts not of record receive entirely new trials at the higher court level rather than reviews based on the existing record.
Lookup Court Records in Horry County
Clerk of Court - Horry County SC.Gov
South Carolina Judicial Department Public Index
Traffic Tickets and Court Payments | South Carolina