Carolina Forest Divorce Records
Carolina Forest divorce records are filed at the Horry County Family Court. Carolina Forest is an unincorporated community in Horry County with a population of around 25,000 residents. Because Carolina Forest is not an incorporated municipality, all divorce cases for residents in this area go through the Horry County Family Court, located in Conway. The Clerk of Court maintains all divorce files and provides copies of judgments and decrees.
Carolina Forest Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Carolina Forest
Carolina Forest residents file for divorce at the Horry County Family Court in Conway. Because Carolina Forest is an unincorporated community, it does not have its own city court. The Horry County Family Court in Conway handles all divorce filings for the area. This is where you submit new cases, obtain hearing dates, and get certified copies of divorce records in Carolina Forest.
| Court | Horry County Family Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1301 2nd Ave Conway, SC 29526 |
| Phone | (843) 915-5080 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Website | horrycounty.org |
The Horry County courthouse is in Conway, roughly 15 miles west of the Carolina Forest area. Parking is available near the courthouse. Bring a valid photo ID when visiting to get divorce records in Carolina Forest or to file any papers with the court.
How to Search Carolina Forest Divorce Records
You can search for divorce records in Carolina Forest online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or in person at the Horry County courthouse in Conway. Online searches are a good starting point for basic case information like party names and filing dates. In-person visits let you look through the complete case file and get certified copies of documents the same day.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org covers all Horry County cases including those involving Carolina Forest residents. You can search by party name or case number at no charge. The index lists case status, party names, and key dates. For actual copies of filed documents, contact the Horry County Clerk of Court or visit the courthouse in Conway.
To search divorce records for a Carolina Forest case, you will need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if available
The Clerk of Court office in Conway can assist with name-based searches and provide copies of documents from the file. Certified copies carry a higher fee than plain copies. Call (843) 915-5080 before visiting to confirm what identification or information to bring when searching Carolina Forest divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in Carolina Forest
Carolina Forest residents follow the same South Carolina divorce process as everyone else in the state. The difference is where you file. Since Carolina Forest is in Horry County, residents must file at the Horry County Family Court in Conway. Each filing creates a record that becomes part of the court file, and those records are available to the public once finalized.
Before filing, you must meet the residency requirement under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30. At least one spouse must have lived in South Carolina for one year before filing. If both spouses reside in South Carolina, only three months of residency is required. Carolina Forest residents living in the area can generally satisfy this requirement without issue.
You file the complaint for divorce at the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway. The filing fee is approximately $150 for a standard divorce case. After filing, your spouse must be formally served with the divorce papers. Acceptable methods include the Horry County Sheriff's office, a licensed private process server, or other service methods permitted under South Carolina law. Proof of service becomes part of the court file.
South Carolina allows one no-fault ground for divorce: living separate and apart for at least one continuous year, under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10. Fault-based grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Carolina Forest residents must establish at least one of these grounds before a divorce can be finalized.
If both spouses reach a full agreement, they can submit a settlement agreement to the court. The judge reviews it and, if approved, signs the divorce decree, which dissolves the marriage and becomes a public record under the SC Freedom of Information Act (S.C. Code Ann. § 30-4-10).
Note: Property division follows equitable distribution principles under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and child support matters are all handled within the divorce case at the Horry County Family Court.
Carolina Forest Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Carolina Forest follow the standard South Carolina court fee schedule and are collected at the Horry County courthouse in Conway. The fee to file a new divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fees can change over time, so call the Clerk of Court at (843) 915-5080 before going to the courthouse to confirm current amounts.
Common fees associated with a Carolina Forest divorce case include:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$150.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may petition for a fee waiver under the in forma pauperis process. You will need to show proof of low income or receipt of public benefits. The court reviews your petition and determines whether you qualify. Copies of existing divorce records also carry fees, with certified copies costing more than plain ones. Contact the Clerk of Court in Conway for current copy rates for Carolina Forest divorce records.
Legal Help for Divorce in Carolina Forest
Several organizations serve Carolina Forest residents who need help with divorce cases. Some offer free legal assistance to those who qualify based on income. Others provide referrals to family law attorneys in the Horry County area. These resources can help you understand your rights, complete the necessary forms, and navigate the court process in Conway.
South Carolina Legal Services provides free civil legal assistance to income-qualifying residents throughout Horry County, including Carolina Forest. Visit sclegal.org to check eligibility and contact information for the office that serves your area.
The South Carolina Bar's lawyer referral service is available at (803) 799-6653. The Horry County Bar Association can also direct residents to family law attorneys who handle divorce cases for Carolina Forest clients. The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides court forms and instructions for those who want to handle their own case.
Carolina Forest Community Resources
Horry County offers a variety of community services that may be helpful during or after a divorce. These are not legal services, but they address practical needs like housing, child care, and crisis support that often come up during a difficult life transition. Carolina Forest residents can access these county-wide resources through Horry County agencies and state programs.
Community resources available to Carolina Forest residents include:
- Child care assistance programs
- Child protective services through SC DSS
- Child support enforcement through SC Department of Social Services
- Domestic violence legal advocacy
- Emergency shelters and transitional housing
- Crisis hotlines and counseling services
- Mental health and substance abuse services
Contact the Horry County Department of Social Services for more information about local programs. For domestic violence assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 at any time. For child support questions, reach the SC Department of Social Services Child Support Division directly.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Carolina Forest
Some Carolina Forest residents choose to file for divorce without an attorney, which is called filing pro se. This approach is most practical when both spouses agree on all terms and the case does not involve complicated property or custody disputes. The Horry County Family Court does not provide legal advice, but resources are available to help you prepare your own case.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides all the forms needed to file for divorce in South Carolina, including the complaint form, response form, and supporting documents. All forms are free to download and print. The site also offers instructions that walk you through each step of the process.
The Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway can tell you which forms are required for your specific situation and how to file them. If children are involved, additional forms for custody and child support will be needed. Call (843) 915-5080 to ask about the filing requirements before making the trip to Conway.
Divorce Certificates in Carolina Forest
Once a divorce is finalized in Horry County, you may need a divorce certificate. A certificate and a divorce decree are different documents. The certificate, issued by the state, confirms that a divorce occurred and lists basic facts. The decree is the full court order that spells out all the terms of the divorce. Most legal and financial institutions require the decree, but some processes only need the certificate.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for South Carolina. You can request one by mailing a written request to the Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree from a Carolina Forest case, contact the Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway. The decree contains the judge's order and all related findings. It is a more detailed document than the certificate and is what most people need when proving their divorce for legal or financial purposes.
Note: Divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1962 to the present day in South Carolina.
Horry County Divorce Records
Carolina Forest is located in Horry County, and all divorce filings go through the Horry County Family Court in Conway. The county court handles all cases within the county. For more on the county court system, full fee lists, related records, and other resources, visit the Horry County divorce records page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file for divorce at their own county courthouse. Pick a city below to learn about divorce records in that area.