Horry County Court Case Search helps people review case information, check hearing updates, and look through public records released by the courts. It offers a quick way to see criminal, civil, traffic, and family case details in Horry County. A search also helps people stay updated on their own cases, verify information for personal records, or check filings related to local legal matters. The process is simple, and most searches return basic details within seconds.
Many people use a Horry County Court Case Search to review court records, confirm case status, or look at filings from Circuit Court, Magistrate Court, Family Court, or Probate Court. These searches can show helpful details such as case numbers, hearing dates, party names, and case progress. While Horry County provides broad access to public records, some matters stay private, such as sealed cases, juvenile records, and adoption filings. This page explains how the search tools work, what someone can see, what stays restricted, and how to request official documents when needed.
How the Horry County Court System Works
Horry County’s court system is part of South Carolina’s 15th Judicial Circuit, which shapes how cases are filed and how records are kept. Anyone searching cases benefits from knowing which court handles each type of matter, since this affects where records are stored and how they are organized.
How the 15th Judicial Circuit Works
The 15th Judicial Circuit covers Horry County and includes several courts, each with a different purpose. These courts fall under Circuit Court, General Sessions, Common Pleas, Family Court, Magistrate Court, Probate Court, and juvenile divisions managed by the state judiciary. South Carolina’s statewide system, including resources on sccourts.org and southcarolina.thepublicindex.org, follows clear filing rules that keep cases grouped by category.
Main Court Types in Horry County
Each court serves a distinct role, and cases move to the proper court based on the nature of the dispute or charge:
- General Sessions (Criminal Court):
Handles felony cases and higher-level misdemeanors. Records here often include warrants, indictments, sentencing entries, and case updates. - Common Pleas (Civil Court):
Covers lawsuits between parties involving money, contracts, property issues, or personal injury claims. - Family Court:
Manages divorce, custody, child support, adoption, and juvenile matters. This court also oversees juvenile delinquency cases, even though these records often have limited public availability. - Magistrate Court / Small Claims:
Addresses smaller disputes under a specific dollar amount, landlord–tenant issues, traffic tickets, and minor criminal charges. - Probate Court:
Handles estates, wills, guardianships, conservatorships, marriage licenses, and mental health commitments.
Each court’s structure affects filing procedures, timelines, and how public records appear in search tools. A case logged in General Sessions looks very different from a case appearing in Magistrate Court. This is why users often check more than one court when sorting through Horry County records.
Why Court Type Matters for Case Search
Case search results depend on how each record is indexed. For example:
- Criminal charges move through General Sessions, so these records tend to show warrants, indictments, and sentencing details.
- Civil lawsuits fall under Common Pleas, and these records include motions, judgments, and service filings.
- Family Court records may show limited details due to privacy rules, especially in juvenile or sensitive matters.
- Probate files list estate documents, petitions, and court orders with different formatting from civil records.
Since each court uses different filing systems, knowing the right court prevents confusion and shortens the search process.
Role of the Horry County Clerk of Court
The Horry County Clerk of Court manages and preserves records for Circuit Court, General Sessions, Common Pleas, and Family Court. The office maintains case files, indexes new filings, supports court calendars, and publishes updates based on state rules. Probate and Magistrate records are managed by their own offices through the county.
How to Search & Where to Get Records — What It Costs
This section explains how to perform a proper court case search, what websites or offices to use for Horry County records, and what fees may apply if a user wants to download or order copies.
How to Search Court Records
- Use the official online search system, the Public Index of the South Carolina Judicial Branch: https://publicindex.sccourts.org
- Choose Horry County in the dropdown selection.
- Enter your search criteria — a case number or a party name — and apply optional filters (court type, case type, date range, etc.).
- Click Search. Review the results. If the case appears, click it to view the docket details.
- If the record is available electronically, some filings or notices may be downloadable directly from the portal.
This method allows a user to explore case records at no cost.
Where to View Records Online or In Person
| Option | What You Get | Cost | URL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Public Index (online) | Case listings: case number, parties, court agency, docket events | Free | publicindex.sccourts.org |
| Horry County Clerk of Court | Official filings, orders, judgments | Plain: $0.50/page, Certified: $5.00 | horrycountysc.gov/clerk-of-court |
| Horry County Probate Court | Certified probate docs, wills, estate records | Certified: $5.00 + $0.50/page | horrycountysc.gov/probate-court |
| Official Records Search | Property records, deeds, liens (not court cases) | $0.50/page | acclaimweb.horrycounty.org |
What If Online Search Doesn’t Work — Offline & Alternative Methods
If an online search for Horry County court cases does not yield results, there are reliable offline methods to obtain records. Residents can request records directly from the Clerk of Court office or use other official channels to access court documents safely.
Visit or Contact the Clerk of Court Office
For those who prefer in-person assistance, the Horry County Clerk of Court’s office provides public access to court records. Individuals can visit during business hours or contact the office by phone to request assistance. Key details include:
Horry County Clerk of Court – Contact Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526 |
| Phone | (843) 915-5300 |
| Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Website | horrycountysc.gov |
Visitors should bring valid identification and any known case details to streamline the process. Staff can provide guidance on both certified records and paper copies.
Request Records Manually
When online systems fail, a manual record request can ensure the required documents are obtained. Requests should include as much information as possible, such as:
- Full name of the parties involved
- Known case number (if available)
- Specific type of record requested (civil, criminal, traffic, probate, family)
- Whether a certified copy or an uncertified copy is needed
Requests can be submitted via mail, email, or in person. For certified copies, standard court record fees may apply, often charged per page or per record. Refer to the https://www.horrycountysc.gov for current pricing.
Handling Sealed, Juvenile, or Sensitive Records
Certain records, such as sealed cases, juvenile cases, or sensitive documents, require a court order or special permission to access. Public Records that fall under restricted categories cannot be released without proper authorization. Attempting to request these records without proper authorization may result in denial. Legal counsel or the Clerk’s office can provide guidance on submitting a formal request for these types of records.
Avoid Third-Party Aggregator Sites
Some websites claim to provide “Horry County Court Records” online, but these may be unofficial or inaccurate. These sites often charge fees and carry disclaimers stating they are not government-managed. To avoid errors or unnecessary charges, it is recommended to rely on:
- Official Horry County Court resources
- Direct requests to the Clerk of Court’s office
Using official channels ensures that requested public records are accurate, complete, and compliant with local laws.
Key Terms to Remember:
- Clerk of Court’s office
- Record request
- Certified records
- Paper copies
- Sealed cases
- In-person records request
- Public records request
- Court record fees
By using these offline methods, residents can reliably obtain Horry County court records even when online searches are unavailable or incomplete.
How to Interpret Court Case Details & Docket Information
When reviewing Horry County court case information, knowing what each entry represents helps users track progress and verify details. Case numbers, docket entries, and filing records each serve different purposes in understanding a case history.
Key Identifiers: Case Number, Docket Number, and Record Number
Court records often list multiple identifiers, which can be confusing at first glance.
- Case Number: A unique number assigned to a civil or criminal case when it is filed. This is the primary reference for case tracking.
- Docket Number: Used in court schedules to list hearings, motions, or other case events. The docket provides chronological updates.
- Record Number: Sometimes called the court record ID, this tracks official documents associated with a case.
Knowing the difference allows users to search efficiently in a case number search or follow updates through the court docket.
Common Terms in Court Records
Court entries contain key terms related to the case timeline and parties involved.
- Filing Date: The date when the case or complaint was officially submitted to the court.
- Disposition Date: When the court resolves or closes the case, often after judgment or settlement.
- Court Agency: The specific court handling the case, such as Family Court or Criminal Court.
- Case Status: Shows whether the case is open, pending, closed, or appealed.
- Hearing Date: Scheduled dates for motions, trials, or reviews.
- Motion: A formal request filed with the court, asking for a ruling or action.
- Judgment: The court’s final decision or award in the case.
These terms are crucial when checking case status, tracking motions, or reviewing case history.
Distinguishing Criminal vs Civil Cases
Language and outcomes differ depending on case type:
- Criminal Cases: Terms include charges, conviction, sentencing, probation, or dismissal.
- Civil Cases: Terms focus on complaints, judgments, awards, settlements, and small claims versus full civil suits.
Understanding these distinctions makes it easier to read court documents and interpret actions listed in a hearing lookup.
Handling Multiple Case Entries
Some cases may appear multiple times due to appeals, related filings, or parallel proceedings. Users should:
- Identify related case numbers in docket entries.
- Track updates separately for each filing.
- Check for consolidated hearings or motions to avoid confusion.
This approach supports accurate case tracking and ensures that all relevant court docket updates are followed.
Tracking Ongoing Cases
Ongoing cases require active monitoring. Users can:
- Use hearing lookup tools to see upcoming dates.
- Monitor docket updates for motions, judgments, or changes in case status.
- Record filing dates and disposition entries to maintain a chronological overview.
Consistently tracking entries helps users stay informed about the progress of criminal or civil cases in Horry County.
Location & Contact Information for Horry County Courts
Finding the right Horry County court location is simple with the correct addresses, phone numbers, and office hours. Visitors can plan their visit efficiently by using the information below to locate the court that handles their specific case type.
Horry County Clerk of Court – Main Office
Address: 1301 Second Ave, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915‑5400
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Courts Served: Circuit Court, Family Court, Probate, Magistrate Court filings, civil & criminal cases
The Horry County Clerk of Court Main Office is the central hub for filing major cases, including civil, criminal, probate, and family court matters. Visitors can handle paperwork in person, pay court fees, or request official records. Bringing your case number or full name ensures faster service.
Conway Magistrate Court
Address: 1014 3rd Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915‑5000
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Services: Small claims, minor criminal offenses, traffic violations
Conway Magistrate Court handles smaller civil disputes, traffic citations, and minor criminal cases. Walk-in visitors can file cases or attend hearings. Checking office hours before visiting is recommended, especially during public holidays.
Loris Magistrate Court
Address: 100 Myrtle Avenue, Loris, SC 29569
Phone: (843) 756‑2170
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Services: Local magistrate cases, minor civil disputes, traffic offenses
The Loris Magistrate Court serves residents in the northern part of Horry County. It offers support for minor civil cases, small claims, and traffic violations. Visitors should have the necessary case details ready to speed up the process.
Best Practices for Visiting Horry County Courts
- Bring the case number or full name to reduce waiting times.
- Some offices may require appointments for certified record requests.
- Always check official court hours online before visiting, as schedules can change.
- Use the Google Maps links above for the most accurate directions and travel planning.
With these Horry County court addresses, phone numbers, and operating hours, visitors can efficiently plan an in-person visit for case filing, hearings, or record requests. Knowing the correct Magistrate Court Horry County location helps avoid delays and ensures smoother interactions with court staff.
(FAQ) About Case Search
Many residents and visitors often have questions about Horry County Court case searches, public records, and accessing official documents. This FAQ section answers the most common queries and explains how users can find the information they need efficiently.
Is the Horry County Court case search free?
Yes, basic Horry County Court case lookups are free. Users can access public records and view case summaries online without a fee. The Horry County Court provides a public portal for searching civil, criminal, and traffic cases. While viewing case summaries is free, some detailed documents or certified copies may require a nominal fee. Users can check official court notices or filings without paying, which helps with quick case verification or civil and criminal case searches.
Do I need a case number to search?
No, a case number is not always required. Searches can be conducted using a person’s name, business name, or other identifiers. Entering a case number provides faster and more precise results. However, if the number is unavailable, the Horry County Court case search allows users to search by plaintiff, defendant, or business name. Using full names, date ranges, or types of cases can narrow results and make civil case lookups or criminal case searches more efficient.
Can I get copies of court documents online?
Some court documents are available online, but not all records can be downloaded directly. Public records, such as civil complaints, judgments, or criminal filings, may be viewed through the Horry County Court portal. For official or certified copies, users typically need to submit a request to the court clerk and pay a small fee. Certified copies are required for legal, employment, or other official purposes and are marked with a seal to confirm authenticity.
Why can’t I find a case I know exists?
Cases may not appear due to sealed records, recent filings, or data entry delays. In certain cases, like juvenile court records or family matters, access is restricted to the public. Additionally, newly filed cases might take a few days to appear online. Ensuring accurate spelling of names and checking multiple search parameters often helps locate the correct case.
Are juvenile or family court cases public?
No, most juvenile and sensitive family court cases are restricted from public access. Horry County protects privacy in cases involving minors or sensitive family issues. Records for juvenile offenders, custody disputes, or certain domestic matters cannot be accessed online for public searches. In some situations, only attorneys, parties involved, or authorized personnel may request information.