Horry County Divorce Records
What Are Horry County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Horry County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to South Carolina Code § 20-3-10, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, from the initial complaint to the final decree.
The South Carolina Family Court system processes and maintains these records, with the Horry County Clerk of Court serving as the official custodian. According to the South Carolina Rules of Family Court, divorce records document the legal termination of a marriage and establish the rights and responsibilities of both parties following dissolution.
Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits claims
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Horry County Family Court, operating under the 15th Judicial Circuit, processes all divorce cases within the county and maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules.
Are Horry County Divorce Records Public?
Horry County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act § 30-4-10, which establishes the public's right to access government records. However, this access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.
The public nature of divorce records is governed by a complex interplay of state laws:
- Court proceedings and associated documents are presumptively public
- Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed
- Records containing information about minor children receive special protection
- Financial disclosures may be restricted from general public access
- Records sealed by judicial order are exempt from public disclosure
While court case files may be accessible to the public, certified divorce certificates or reports have more restricted access. According to South Carolina Code § 44-63-140, which governs vital records, certified divorce reports are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Individuals with a demonstrable legal interest
- Government agencies acting in an official capacity
The South Carolina Department of Public Health maintains these certified divorce reports, which differ from the more comprehensive court case files held by the Horry County Clerk of Court.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Horry County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Horry County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of divorce record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For court case files, individuals may:
- Visit the Horry County Clerk of Court office in person:
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Clerk of Court
-
Submit a written request by mail, including:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Required search fees
-
Access the South Carolina Judicial Branch Case Records Search for basic case information.
For certified divorce reports, requesters must contact:
South Carolina Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3630
South Carolina Vital Records
Requesters must provide:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Proof of identity
- Applicable fees
- Documentation of legal right to access (if not a party to the divorce)
Current fees for divorce record searches are established by South Carolina Code § 8-21-310, which sets the fee schedule for court services.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Horry County Online?
Horry County provides limited online access to divorce record information through several digital platforms. While comprehensive divorce files are not available online due to privacy considerations, basic case information can be accessed through official channels.
The primary online resources for divorce record searches include:
-
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index, which allows users to search for case information by:
- Party name
- Case number
- Filing date range
- Case type (select "Domestic/Family Court")
-
The Horry County Clerk of Court website provides information about available records and search procedures, though actual record searches must be conducted through the state judicial system.
-
For certified divorce reports, the South Carolina Department of Public Health offers an online ordering system through VitalChek, a third-party service provider.
When conducting online searches, users should note:
- A nominal fee may apply for certain searches
- Complete case files are not viewable online
- Sensitive information is redacted from publicly accessible records
- Official copies of documents must be requested separately
- Online information is for reference only and not legally certified
Pursuant to South Carolina Judicial Department Order 2015-05-13-01, certain family court records have restricted online access to protect privacy interests while maintaining the public's right to information.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Horry County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Horry County have limited but viable options. While certified copies and comprehensive searches typically involve fees, basic information may be obtained without charge through several channels.
Free access options include:
- In-person inspection at the Horry County Courthouse:
- Visit the Clerk of Court's office during regular business hours
- Request to view publicly available divorce case files
- Records may be reviewed on-site at no charge
- Note that copying fees will apply if reproductions are needed
Horry County Family Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Family Court
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse provide free searches of the case management system for basic case information.
-
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index offers free basic case information searches, though detailed documents are not available through this platform.
-
Local public libraries may provide access to legal research databases that include court records:
Horry County Memorial Library
1008 5th Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5282
Horry County Library System
Researchers should be aware that while initial searches may be conducted without fees, obtaining official copies or certified documents will require payment of statutory fees as established by South Carolina Code § 8-21-310.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Horry County
Divorce records in Horry County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the entire legal process of marriage dissolution. These records typically contain multiple components that document different aspects of the proceedings.
Court case files generally include:
- Initial complaint for divorce stating grounds and requested relief
- Summons and proof of service to the responding party
- Answer and/or counterclaim from the respondent
- Financial declarations from both parties
- Property settlement agreements
- Child custody and support arrangements
- Temporary orders issued during proceedings
- Depositions and interrogatories (if applicable)
- Trial transcripts (if the case went to trial)
- Final decree of divorce
- Post-judgment motions and orders
The certified divorce report maintained by the South Carolina Department of Public Health contains more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date and place of divorce
- Case number
- County where divorce was granted
- Date of marriage
- Limited statistical information
Documents within divorce files may contain sensitive personal information including:
- Social Security numbers (typically redacted in public copies)
- Financial account details
- Income information
- Minor children's information
- Allegations of misconduct
- Health information
The scope and detail of divorce records vary significantly based on whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, the complexity of asset division, and whether minor children were involved in the proceedings.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Horry County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Horry County have multiple options for obtaining official documentation, depending on the level of detail and certification needed for their specific purpose.
For a certified copy of the divorce decree:
- Visit the Horry County Clerk of Court office in person:
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Clerk of Court
- Submit a written request by mail including:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's relationship to the case
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Required fee payment
For a certified divorce report (official verification of divorce):
- Contact the South Carolina Department of Public Health:
SC Department of Public Health - Vital Records
2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201
803-898-3630
South Carolina Vital Records
-
Submit an application for a certified divorce report:
- Complete the official application form
- Provide identification
- Submit required fee
- Demonstrate legal right to access (if not a party to the divorce)
-
Order online through the VitalChek service authorized by the Department of Public Health.
Pursuant to South Carolina Code § 44-63-140, certified copies of divorce reports are available only to those with a direct interest in the record, while court-issued divorce decrees may have broader accessibility depending on whether the case was sealed.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Horry County?
While divorce proceedings in Horry County are generally matters of public record, South Carolina law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Confidentiality provisions may apply to divorce records through:
-
Sealing orders - Pursuant to South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 41.1, a judge may order all or portions of a divorce file sealed upon showing of good cause, which may include:
- Protection of minor children
- Prevention of identity theft
- Safeguarding business trade secrets
- Protecting victims of domestic violence
- Preventing public disclosure of sensitive health information
-
Redaction of sensitive information - Even in publicly accessible files, certain information is automatically redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Minor children's identifying information
- Certain medical records
-
Alternative dispute resolution - Divorces resolved through mediation or collaborative law processes may maintain greater privacy as fewer details enter the public record.
-
Confidential settlements - While the fact of divorce becomes public record, parties may agree to confidential settlement terms that are not filed with the court.
The South Carolina Family Court adheres to Administrative Order 2015-05-13-01 regarding access to court records, which balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns. Parties seeking confidentiality must typically file specific motions demonstrating why standard public access should be restricted in their particular case.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Horry County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Horry County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, court caseloads, and statutory requirements. South Carolina law establishes minimum timeframes while practical considerations often extend the process.
Key factors affecting divorce timeline include:
-
Statutory waiting periods:
- One-year continuous separation required for no-fault divorce under South Carolina Code § 20-3-10(5)
- Ninety-day minimum processing time from filing to final hearing
-
Type of divorce:
- Uncontested divorces with complete agreements: 3-6 months
- Contested divorces with limited issues: 6-12 months
- Highly contested divorces with complex assets or custody disputes: 12-24+ months
-
Court scheduling factors:
- Current caseload in the 15th Judicial Circuit
- Judge availability
- Attorney scheduling conflicts
- Required waiting periods between hearings
-
Case-specific variables:
- Complexity of asset division
- Child custody determinations
- Need for expert witnesses or valuations
- Discovery disputes
- Motion practice
According to the South Carolina Judicial Department's Statistical Summary, the average processing time for family court cases in the 15th Judicial Circuit (which includes Horry County) is approximately 265 days from filing to disposition, though individual cases may vary significantly from this average.
Parties seeking expedited processing should consider mediation or collaborative divorce approaches, which can significantly reduce timeframes when successful.
How Long Does Horry County Keep Divorce Records?
Horry County maintains divorce records according to retention schedules established by South Carolina state law and administrative policies. These retention periods vary based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance.
The primary retention schedules for divorce records include:
-
Court case files:
- Permanent retention for final divorce decrees
- Permanent retention for judgments affecting real property
- Minimum 15-year retention for supporting case documents
- Extended retention for cases involving minor children until all children reach majority plus 3 years
-
Divorce reports and certificates:
- Permanent retention by the South Carolina Department of Public Health
- Maintained in both physical and digital formats
-
Docket books and indices:
- Permanent retention as essential court records
- Maintained for historical and reference purposes
These retention schedules are established pursuant to the South Carolina Public Records Act § 30-1-10 and the South Carolina Department of Archives and History guidelines for court records management.
While many divorce records are retained permanently, access to older records may require additional research assistance, particularly for cases predating digital recordkeeping. Records from earlier periods may be stored in:
- County archives
- State archives
- Microfilm repositories
- Digital archives with limited searchability
Researchers seeking historical divorce records should contact the Horry County Clerk of Court for guidance on accessing archived materials.
How To Get a Divorce In Horry County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Horry County must follow specific procedures established by South Carolina law. The divorce process involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
To initiate a divorce in Horry County:
-
Establish residency requirements:
- Either spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for at least one year prior to filing
- If both spouses are South Carolina residents, the residency requirement is reduced to three months
-
Determine grounds for divorce:
- No-fault ground: Living separate and apart without cohabitation for one year
- Fault-based grounds: Adultery, habitual drunkenness/drug use, physical cruelty, or desertion
-
Prepare and file initial documents with the Horry County Family Court:
- Summons and Complaint for Divorce
- Financial Declaration Form
- Certificate of Exemption
- Family Court Cover Sheet
- Filing fee payment or fee waiver request
Horry County Family Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Family Court
-
Serve the non-filing spouse according to South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.
-
Participate in mandatory mediation if the divorce involves contested issues of property division or child custody.
-
Attend required hearings:
- Temporary hearing (if needed for temporary support or custody)
- Final hearing
-
Obtain the Final Decree of Divorce signed by the Family Court Judge.
The process is governed by South Carolina Code Title 20, Chapter 3, which establishes the legal framework for divorce proceedings in the state.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Horry County
Individuals initiating divorce proceedings in Horry County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. The appropriate method depends on the complexity of the case and whether professional legal assistance is being utilized.
To obtain divorce papers:
- Visit the Horry County Clerk of Court office:
Horry County Clerk of Court
1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
843-915-5080
Horry County Clerk of Court
-
Access forms online through the Horry County Clerk of Court Forms page, which provides:
- Family Court Cover Sheet
- Financial Declaration Forms
- Certificate of Exemption
- Other required documents
-
Download the comprehensive divorce packet provided by Horry County, which includes:
- Instructions for self-represented litigants
- Sample completed forms
- Blank forms for completion
- Procedural guidance
-
Consult with the South Carolina Legal Services for assistance:
South Carolina Legal Services
1201 Creel Street, Conway, SC 29527
843-381-0498
South Carolina Legal Services
- Visit the South Carolina Judicial Department's Self-Help resources:
South Carolina Judicial Department
1015 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201
803-734-1800
SC Judicial Department Self-Help Resources
Individuals should note that while forms are available for self-represented litigants, divorce proceedings can be legally complex. The Horry County Family Court recommends consulting with an attorney, particularly for cases involving:
- Child custody or support issues
- Substantial assets or debts
- Retirement accounts or pensions
- Real estate holdings
- Contested divorces
Forms must be completed accurately and filed according to court rules to avoid procedural delays or dismissal.
Lookup Divorce Records in Horry County
Clerk of Court - Horry County SC.Gov
Vital Records | South Carolina Department of Public Health
Divorce Reports | South Carolina Department of Public Health