Conway Divorce Records
Conway divorce records are filed at the Horry County Family Court, which is located right in Conway. Conway is the county seat of Horry County and home to about 23,000 residents. Because the Horry County courthouse is situated in Conway, residents of this city have direct access to the Family Court without needing to travel to another city. The Clerk of Court maintains all divorce files and provides certified copies of decrees and other case documents.
Conway Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Conway
Conway residents file for divorce at the Horry County Family Court, which is conveniently located in downtown Conway. As the county seat, Conway hosts the courthouse that serves all of Horry County. This is where you file new cases, attend hearings, and get certified copies of divorce records in Conway. The court is easily accessible to city residents.
| 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 courthouse is located in central Conway near other government offices. Parking is available in the area. All visitors must pass through security at the entrance. Bring a valid photo ID when you visit to file or obtain divorce records in Conway.
How to Search Conway Divorce Records
Divorce records in Conway can be searched online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or in person at the Horry County courthouse. Online searches are a quick way to confirm case details, check filing dates, or look up party names. Visiting in person lets you review the complete file and obtain certified copies on the spot.
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org is available at no charge and covers all Horry County Family Court cases. You can search by the name of either spouse or by case number. The index shows case status and key filing dates. For copies of actual documents, you need to request them from the Clerk of Court or visit the courthouse in Conway.
When searching Conway divorce records, you will need:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Year the divorce was filed or finalized
- Case number if you have it
The Clerk of Court in Conway is available to help look up cases and pull documents. Certified copies carry a higher fee than plain copies. Call (843) 915-5080 before your visit to ask what information or identification to bring.
Divorce Filing Process in Conway
Conway residents file for divorce following the same South Carolina process that applies statewide. Since Conway is the county seat of Horry County, the Family Court is right in town, making the filing process especially straightforward for Conway residents. Every document filed creates a permanent record that is accessible to the public after the case is resolved.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-30, at least one spouse must have been a South Carolina resident for one year prior to filing. If both spouses live in the state, only three months of residency is required. Conway residents can generally satisfy this requirement without difficulty.
The divorce complaint is filed at the Clerk of Court in Conway. The filing fee is approximately $150. After filing, the other spouse must be formally served. The Horry County Sheriff's office, a licensed private process server, or other court-approved methods can be used. Proof of service must be filed with the court to move the case forward.
South Carolina provides one no-fault divorce ground under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10: living separate and apart continuously for one year. Fault-based grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Conway residents must meet one of these grounds before the divorce can be finalized.
When both parties agree on all terms, a written settlement agreement can be submitted for the judge's approval. The judge 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 is divided through equitable distribution under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and support are all addressed within the same case at the Horry County Family Court in Conway.
Conway Divorce Fees
Divorce fees in Conway follow the standard South Carolina court fee schedule and are collected at the Horry County courthouse on 2nd Ave. The base fee to file a new divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fees may be adjusted periodically, so contact the Clerk of Court at (843) 915-5080 to confirm current rates before filing.
Common fees you may encounter in a Conway divorce case:
- File a complaint for divorce: ~$150.00
- Response filing fee: varies
- Motion filing fee: varies
- Certified copy of decree: varies
If cost is an obstacle, you can petition the court for a fee waiver under the in forma pauperis process. You must provide documentation of financial need, such as proof of public benefits or low income. The court evaluates your petition and decides whether to waive the fees. Copy fees also apply when obtaining existing divorce records, with certified copies costing more than plain ones. Call the Clerk of Court for current copy rates for Conway divorce records.
Legal Help for Divorce in Conway
Conway residents can access legal help through several local and state resources. Free legal assistance is available to income-qualifying individuals, and attorney referral services can connect you with a family law attorney serving Horry County. These resources are useful whether you are just starting to research the process or already have questions about your specific case.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Horry County, including Conway. They offer free civil legal assistance to people who meet income eligibility requirements. Visit sclegal.org for information on services and how to apply.
The South Carolina Bar has a lawyer referral line at (803) 799-6653. The Horry County Bar Association can also help Conway residents find a qualified family law attorney. The SC Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers self-help guides and forms for people who want to handle their own divorce case.
Conway Community Resources
Conway and Horry County have a range of community services that can support residents going through a divorce. These programs are not legal services, but they address real-world challenges like housing instability, child care costs, and emotional crisis that often accompany the end of a marriage.
Community resources available to Conway 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 information on programs in Conway. For emergency domestic violence assistance, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, which is available 24 hours a day. For child support questions, contact the SC DSS Child Support Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Conway
Conway residents may choose to file for divorce without an attorney, which is known as filing pro se. This option is most practical when both spouses agree on all issues and there are no complicated property disputes or custody matters. Since the courthouse is right in Conway, pro se filers have easy access to the Clerk of Court for questions about forms and procedures.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides all required court forms at no cost. You can download and print the complaint, response, and any other necessary papers directly from the site. Step-by-step guides on the site walk you through the process.
The Horry County Clerk of Court in Conway can tell you which forms you need and how to submit them. Cases involving children will require additional custody and child support forms. Staff cannot give legal advice, but they can direct you to the right forms and explain the filing process for a Conway divorce.
Divorce Certificates in Conway
Once a divorce is final in Horry County, you may need to obtain a copy of the decree or a divorce certificate. These are separate documents. The divorce decree is the complete court order entered by the judge. The divorce certificate is a shorter document issued by the state confirming the divorce. Most legal and financial purposes call for the full decree.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for all South Carolina divorces. You can request one by mail at Division of Vital Records, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, SC 29201. The fee is $12 per certified copy.
For the full divorce decree from a Conway case, contact the Horry County Clerk of Court at the courthouse on 2nd Ave. Because the courthouse is located in Conway, residents can easily visit in person to request copies. The decree is the most complete record of the divorce and is generally what lawyers, banks, and government agencies require.
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
Conway is the county seat of Horry County, and the Horry County Family Court is located here. All divorce filings for the county go through this courthouse. 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.