Myrtle Beach Divorce Records
Myrtle Beach divorce records are filed at the Horry County Family Court. Myrtle Beach is the largest city along the Grand Strand in Horry County, with a population of around 35,000 permanent residents. All divorce cases for Myrtle Beach residents go through the Horry County Family Court, which is located at the county courthouse in Conway. The Clerk of Court maintains all divorce case files and provides copies of judgments and decrees.
Myrtle Beach Quick Facts
Where to File for Divorce in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach residents file for divorce at the Horry County Family Court. The courthouse is located in Conway, which serves as the county seat of Horry County. Even though the courthouse is not in Myrtle Beach itself, all residents of Horry County, including those living in Myrtle Beach, must file their divorce cases there. The Clerk of Court in Conway handles all filings and records for divorce cases in Myrtle Beach.
| 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 |
Conway is about 15 miles west of Myrtle Beach along US-501. Parking is available at and near the courthouse. Security screens all visitors at the entrance, so bring a valid photo ID when visiting to file or obtain divorce records for a Myrtle Beach case.
How to Search Myrtle Beach Divorce Records
Divorce records for Myrtle Beach can be searched online or in person at the Horry County courthouse in Conway. Online searches are useful for finding basic case information such as party names, filing dates, and case status. An in-person visit lets you review the complete case file and obtain certified copies on the same day. Both methods cover divorce records going back many years for cases filed in Horry County.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch Public Index includes all Horry County Family Court cases. You can search by party name or case number and access filing dates and current case status at no charge. For copies of actual court documents, you will need to contact the Horry County Clerk of Court or visit the courthouse in Conway. Start your search at sccourts.org.
To search divorce records for a Myrtle Beach case, have ready:
- Full name of at least one spouse
- Approximate year the divorce was filed
- Case number if available
In-person requests at the Conway courthouse allow staff to look up cases by name or number and provide copies from the file. Certified copies cost more than plain copies. Call ahead at (843) 915-5080 to confirm what you need to bring and what fees apply to your request for Myrtle Beach divorce records.
Divorce Filing Process in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach residents follow South Carolina state law when filing for divorce. You must file at the Horry County Family Court in Conway. Every step in the divorce process generates court records that become part of your case file, and you can request copies of any filed document through the Clerk of Court.
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 at least one year before filing. If both spouses are South Carolina residents, only three months of residency is required. Myrtle Beach residents who meet this requirement can file at the Horry County courthouse in Conway.
You file the complaint for divorce with the Clerk of Court in Conway. The filing fee is approximately $150 for a standard divorce case. After filing, you must serve your spouse with the divorce papers. You may use the Horry County Sheriff's Office, a licensed private process server, or another method allowed under South Carolina rules. The proof of service is filed with the court and becomes part of the Myrtle Beach divorce record.
South Carolina allows one no-fault ground for divorce under S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-10: living separate and apart for at least one continuous year. Fault grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness or drug use, and desertion for one year. Myrtle Beach residents must establish one of these grounds before the court can finalize the divorce.
Once the grounds are met, the case can move forward. If both parties agree on all terms, a settlement agreement can be submitted for the judge to approve. The final divorce decree 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 under equitable distribution rules found at S.C. Code Ann. § 20-3-620. Alimony, child custody, and child support are all handled within the same divorce proceeding at the Horry County Family Court.
Myrtle Beach Divorce Fees
Fees for divorce in Myrtle Beach follow the South Carolina statewide fee schedule and are collected at the Horry County courthouse in Conway. The fee to file a new divorce complaint is approximately $150. Fees are subject to change, so confirm current amounts by calling the Clerk of Court at (843) 915-5080 before filing your Myrtle Beach divorce case.
Common fees you may encounter 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 fees, you may apply for a fee waiver in forma pauperis at the Horry County courthouse. You must complete the required petition and show proof of financial hardship, such as receiving public benefits or having income below the court's threshold. The judge reviews your application and decides whether to waive the fees. Copies of existing Myrtle Beach divorce records carry separate fees depending on whether a plain copy or certified copy is requested.
Legal Help for Divorce in Myrtle Beach
Several resources are available to help Myrtle Beach residents with divorce cases. Some provide free legal representation to qualified individuals with low income. Others offer reduced-fee consultations or referrals to family law attorneys in the Myrtle Beach and Conway area.
South Carolina Legal Services serves Horry County and provides free civil legal help to income-eligible residents. Visit sclegal.org to find out if you qualify for assistance with your Myrtle Beach divorce case.
The South Carolina Bar runs a lawyer referral service at (803) 799-6653. The Horry County Bar Association can also connect Myrtle Beach residents with family law attorneys who handle divorce cases in the area. The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org provides downloadable court forms, instructions, and self-help guides for people who want to manage their own divorce case in Horry County.
Myrtle Beach Community Resources
The City of Myrtle Beach and Horry County offer various resources that can help residents during a divorce. These are not legal services, but they address related needs such as housing, child care, crisis support, and income assistance. Divorce can affect many areas of daily life, and these local programs exist to help Myrtle Beach residents navigate those challenges.
Myrtle Beach community resources include:
- Child care assistance programs through Horry County
- Child protective services through SC DSS
- Child support enforcement through SC Department of Social Services
- Domestic violence legal advocacy and shelter services
- Emergency housing and transitional shelter programs
- Crisis hotlines and mental health counseling
- Substance abuse treatment and recovery services
For domestic violence assistance, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 at any time. Local shelters and legal advocacy services in Myrtle Beach and the Grand Strand area can provide safety planning and support. For child support questions, reach out to the SC Department of Social Services Child Support Division.
Filing Without a Lawyer in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach residents may file for divorce without an attorney, which is known as filing pro se. This approach works best when both spouses agree on the divorce and there are no contested issues involving property, children, or debt. The court cannot provide legal advice, but several resources make it easier to handle your own divorce case in Horry County.
The South Carolina Judicial Branch at sccourts.org offers all the forms required to file for divorce in South Carolina. Complaint forms, response forms, and supporting documents are available for free download. Family law forms are organized by type for easy access.
The Horry County Family Court Clerk's office in Conway can explain the filing procedure and tell you which forms apply to your situation. If your case involves children, additional forms will be required, including custody agreements and child support worksheets. Call (843) 915-5080 to ask what documents are needed to begin your Myrtle Beach divorce filing.
Divorce Certificates in Myrtle Beach
After a divorce is finalized in Myrtle Beach, you may need a divorce certificate. A certificate is different from a divorce decree. The certificate is a short document issued by the state health authority confirming that a divorce occurred. The decree is the full court order. Many legal and personal matters require the decree, but some situations only call for a certificate.
SC DHEC, Division of Vital Records issues divorce certificates for South Carolina. You can order one by mailing a 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 Myrtle Beach case, contact the Clerk of Court at the Horry County courthouse in Conway. The decree contains the complete court order, including all terms of the divorce. The certificate only shows basic information such as names, date, and county. Most people who need proof of a Myrtle Beach divorce will want the decree for its greater level of detail.
Note: South Carolina divorce certificates from the Division of Vital Records are available for divorces from 1962 to the present day.
Horry County Divorce Records
Myrtle Beach is located in Horry County, and all divorce filings go through the Horry County Family Court in Conway. The county court handles all cases throughout the county. For more information on the county court system, complete fee schedules, related records, and additional 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.