Horry County Court Dockets

Horry County Court Dockets provide a public record of scheduled hearings, trials, and other proceedings in the county’s courts. These dockets are important for attorneys preparing for cases, parties involved in legal matters, journalists reporting on court activity, and researchers studying local judicial trends. They offer an organized view of court schedules, helping users plan for hearings and monitor case timelines.

A court schedule or hearing calendar includes case numbers, parties involved, hearing types, and courtroom assignments. This information ensures that legal proceedings run smoothly, reduces missed appearances, and maintains transparency in the local judicial system. With Horry County Court Dockets, anyone can stay informed about the status of cases and upcoming court sessions in South Carolina.

What is a Court Docket?

A court docket is a record that tracks cases scheduled in a court. It lists upcoming court dates, hearings, and essential information for each case. Court dockets, sometimes called docket lists, docket indexes, or docket calendars, serve as a central tool for tracking the case timeline. They provide updates on hearings, motions, trials, and other court events. For residents of Horry County, the docket offers a clear snapshot of the court dates and procedural steps for cases filed in the local court system.

Key Components of a Court Docket

A typical court docket includes several important details that help parties, attorneys, and the public stay informed:

• Case Number: Unique identifier assigned to each case.
• Case Caption / Parties: Names of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s).
• Hearing Type: Examples include trials, motions, continuances, or status conferences.
• Date and Time: Scheduled day and time of each proceeding.
• Courtroom or Judge: Specifies the assigned courtroom and presiding judge.
• Duration: Approximate length of the hearing.
• Case Status: Indicates whether a case is active, continued, or concluded.

For example, a Horry County docket might list a motion hearing for case number 2024-CR-01234, scheduled for March 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM in Courtroom 3 before Judge Smith, with an estimated duration of 30 minutes. Each entry provides enough detail for parties to plan and track the hearing info and timeline.

How Dockets Reflect Court Activity

Dockets are updated regularly to reflect changes in court dates or hearing schedules. They serve as a case timeline, showing what has occurred and what is upcoming. This information is especially useful for attorneys managing multiple cases or residents following local court matters.

It is important to note that not all court records are fully available to the public. Certain records, such as those involving juvenile cases, adoptions, or confidential proceedings, may be redacted or sealed. Horry County court dockets follow these legal limitations, ensuring sensitive information is protected.

Visual Example

How to Search Horry County Court Records

Searching Horry County Court records requires knowing the correct method and which resources to use. Users can search dockets by case number, party name, hearing type, or filing date.

Step Search Process

1. Identify the Case Type: Determine whether the case is in Family, Circuit, or Magistrate Court.
2. Use Online Tools First: The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides a public index search. Searching online is usually faster and more convenient.
3. Enter Case Details: Input either the case number or party name. If uncertain of the exact spelling, use abbreviations or partial matches.
4. Filter Your Results: Narrow the search by court type and date range.
5. Review Docket Entries: Click the individual docket to see hearing dates, case updates, and courtroom locations.

Where to View Horry County Court Records

Horry County case information can be accessed through online portals, PDF rosters, or in person at the Clerk of Court’s office. Each option may have different availability, fees, and convenience.

Courts Covered Under Horry County

Horry County hosts a variety of courts, each handling specific types of cases. Access to dockets and case records varies depending on the court and the type of proceeding.

Circuit Court

Horry County Circuit Court handles major civil and criminal cases, including felony trials, civil disputes above $7,500, and appeals from lower courts. Circuit dockets are typically available online through the court’s public index, though some records may require in-person requests. Users searching for a circuit docket can often view scheduled hearings, trial dates, and case statuses.

Key points:

• Civil and criminal jurisdiction
• Felony trials and appeals
• Dockets accessible via public index or court roster

Family Court

The Family Court manages cases involving divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence, and adoption. Court schedules, including family court dockets, may be published online as a PDF calendar or through a public index. Access may differ depending on the sensitivity of the case.

Family Court docket access options:

• Online PDF calendars
• Court roster for active cases
• In-person requests for confidential matters

Magistrate Court

Horry County Magistrate Court handles small claims, minor criminal offenses, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings. Magistrate dockets are generally smaller and more focused on day-to-day case schedules. Many records are available in a court roster format, but some require visiting the courthouse.

Typical cases in the Magistrate Court:

1. Traffic violations and fines
2. Landlord/tenant disputes
3. Small claims under $7,500

Probate Court

The Probate Court oversees wills, estates, guardianships, and involuntary commitments. While some case schedules are published through the public index, others are accessible only by contacting the Probate Court directly. Probate dockets are usually less frequent but can involve critical deadlines for filings.

Municipal Court

Municipal Courts in Horry County handle city ordinance violations, traffic tickets, and other minor infractions. Dockets are often available as daily or weekly calendars, which can be checked online or in person. Municipal court records can be used for case records search and are usually concise and easy to follow.

Masters-in-Equity

The Master s-in-Equity Court deals primarily with foreclosure cases, mechanics’ liens, and land disputes. Dockets for these proceedings may be listed online or on courthouse bulletin boards. Access to these records may require a combination of public index searches and in-person inquiries.

Tips for accessing Horry County dockets:

Access methods differ by court and case type, so users may need to check multiple sources to view schedules or case records. Searching the public index, checking the court roster, or reviewing PDF dockets provides the most up-to-date information for legal matters in Horry County.

How to Access Horry County Court Dockets

Accessing Horry County court dockets can be done online, through official court-provided calendars, or via formal requests for archived or sealed records. Multiple tools and resources are available for checking case status, hearing dates, and docket details efficiently.

Online Public Index / Case Records Search

Horry County court cases are included in the statewide South Carolina Judicial Branch public index, which allows users to perform a case docket search quickly and view court case status online. This public portal provides access to a wide range of case types and basic docket information.

To search for a Horry County case online:

1. Visit the https://www.sccourts.org/caseSearch/ website.
2. Select Horry County from the list of counties.
3. Enter one or more search criteria:
   • Case number (fastest and most accurate)
   • Party name (plaintiff, defendant, or attorney)
   • Date range for filings or hearings
   • Court type (civil, criminal, family, probate, etc.)
4. Click Search to view matching cases.

Once a case is found, users can see a list of actions, including:

• Filing dates and updates
• Scheduled hearings or trials
• Case status (active, closed, pending)
• Associated documents, if available

This online public index is regularly updated, making it a convenient tool for tracking ongoing cases or checking historical records within the limits of publicly available information.

Official Court Rosters / Court-Provided Dockets & Calendars

Horry County courts also provide official dockets and calendars directly through the Clerk of Court or court websites. These are often published in PDF format for specific courts, such as Family Court, and can include detailed daily schedules.

To access official dockets:

1. Go to the https://www.horrycounty.org/government/courts or https://www.horrycountysc.org website.
2. Locate the Court Rosters / Court Dockets section.
3. Select the court type (Family, Criminal, Civil) and date or term of interest.
4. Open the PDF or download it for offline use.

Typical docket tables provide:

• Hearing times
• Case captions (names of parties)
• Attorneys involved
• Docket number
• Case type and status

This method is useful for detailed hearing calendars, reviewing docket numbers, and preparing for scheduled court appearances. Users can also print or save these PDFs for personal records.

In-Person or Formal Requests for Older, Archived, or Sealed Records

Some records, such as sealed cases, juvenile matters, adoptions, or older archived files, may not be accessible online. These require formal requests through the Horry County Clerk of Court. Not all public records remain indefinitely available on the online portal.

Steps to request records in person or formally:

1. Visit the Horry County Clerk of Court office:
   • Address: 1301 2nd Ave, Conway, SC 29526
   • Phone: (843) 915-5250
   • Office hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
2. Submit a written request specifying the case type, parties, date, and docket number if known.
3. Pay any copying or administrative fees if required.
4. Wait for staff to process the request, which may take several business days for archived or sealed files.

This approach ensures access to older or restricted court documents while complying with legal restrictions on confidential or sensitive cases.

Tips & Best Practices for Efficient Searching

Searching Horry County court dockets is more effective when using a few proven strategies:

• Start with the case number if available; it provides the fastest and most precise results.
• If the case number is unknown, try party names, date ranges, and court type combinations.
• Check regularly for updates to capture new hearings, continuances, or docket changes.
• Download or save findings as PDFs, screenshots, or bookmarks to maintain a personal case timeline.
• Keep organized notes of important hearing dates and docket numbers for quick reference.

Following these tips can save time and prevent missed updates on ongoing cases, ensuring users stay informed about the latest court activity.

Interpreting a Docket — What the Entries Mean

A court docket is essentially a schedule or log of cases, listing the key details about hearings and motions. It shows what is happening in a case, but does not include the full legal documents themselves.

Key Docket Columns and Fields

Most Horry County court dockets include several standard columns, each providing important information about a case. Understanding these fields can help readers quickly identify the type of hearing, parties involved, and case status. Common fields include:

Each column provides a snapshot of the case’s activity. For example, a docket entry showing “Motion to Compel” with a status of “Continued” indicates that the court postponed a hearing where one party requested the other to provide evidence.

Common Docket Terms and Case Types

Several terms frequently appear on Horry County dockets. Recognizing them can clarify what is happening in each case:

• Final: The hearing or case has concluded.
• Motion to Compel: A request to the court to require a party to take an action, often providing documents.
• Trial: A scheduled proceeding where evidence and arguments are presented.
• Bench Warrant: An order for law enforcement to bring a person to court.
• Temporary Relief: Short-term court orders, such as restraining orders or child support.
• Custody / Visitation: Hearings involving child custody or parenting time.
• Divorce: Proceedings related to dissolving a marriage.

Other entries might include status updates such as “Continued,” “Pending,” or “Dismissed,” which indicate whether the court action is complete or postponed.

Hearing Calendars and Court Schedules

Horry County court dockets are closely linked to hearing calendars, which outline when cases are scheduled to be heard. These calendars help residents, attorneys, and court staff track court dates, judge assignments, and courtroom locations efficiently.

Hearing calendars, sometimes called court schedules, provide a structured view of upcoming proceedings. They can be organized by week, by courtroom, or by judge assignments—often referred to as court rosters. This organization allows court personnel and the public to anticipate when specific cases, such as family law hearings, traffic matters, or probate cases, will occur. Probate Court handles matters related to wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships, overseeing the administration of deceased individuals’ estates, ensuring proper distribution of assets, and appointing guardians for minors or incapacitated adults. Probate Court hearings are scheduled and listed on hearing calendars just like other court matters, allowing interested parties and legal representatives to track important proceedings efficiently. For example, a typical Family Court docket might list several hearings in one week, showing each case number, the parties involved, the assigned judge, and the courtroom location.

How Dockets and Schedules Work

• Weekly or Monthly Publication: Horry County courts often publish hearing calendars periodically. Weekly schedules are common for Family Court cases, while other divisions may release monthly or quarterly calendars.
• Courtroom Assignments: Each hearing is assigned to a specific courtroom, ensuring that cases proceed smoothly without conflicts.
• Judge Assignments: Dockets also indicate which judge will preside over each case, making it easier for lawyers and parties to prepare.
• Case Grouping: Cases may be grouped by type, such as civil, criminal, or probate matters, allowing staff and visitors to find relevant hearings quickly.

For instance, a publicly available Family Court docket in Horry County might show:

This example highlights how the court schedules group cases, showing both judge assignments and courtroom locations for easy reference.

Benefits of Following Hearing Calendars

1. Plan Attendance: Parties involved in a case can schedule their attendance and prepare documents accordingly.
2. Track Multiple Cases: Lawyers handling several clients can track each case’s timing and judge assignment efficiently.
3. Coordinate Court Staff: Clerks, bailiffs, and judges rely on court rosters to manage daily operations without delays.

By referencing Horry County’s hearing calendars and dockets, residents and legal professionals can stay informed of upcoming proceedings while ensuring cases proceed on time. Regularly updated schedules support transparency and smooth court operations, making it simpler to monitor court schedules, hearing calendars, court rosters, and judge assignments across different divisions.

Limitations & What Dockets Do Not Include

Horry County Court dockets provide a public summary of court cases, but they do not always show complete details or all documents related to a case. Some records may be restricted or require special requests to access.

While the online docket is a convenient tool for checking court activity, it has certain limitations that users should be aware of. For instance, some records are sealed or confidential, including juvenile cases, adoptions, and other sensitive proceedings. These cases will not appear fully, or sometimes at all, in the public index.

Key Limitations of Horry County Court Dockets

• Sealed or Confidential Cases: Juvenile records, adoption cases, and certain protective orders are not available publicly.
• Limited Document Access: The online docket often only lists the docket entry (case updates, hearings, filings). Full pleadings, motions, or transcripts must be requested directly from the Clerk’s office.
• Delayed Updates: Court activity shown online may lag behind real-time events. Users might notice recent hearings or filings missing from the public index.
• Summary Information Only: Dockets generally provide the case number, parties involved, filing dates, and scheduled hearings—but rarely the full content of legal documents.

How Users Can Handle Limitations

For those needing complete records, the Clerk’s office offers formal procedures to request full case files. Contacting the office by phone or visiting in person may be required for documents not posted online.

Despite these restrictions, Horry County dockets remain a valuable tool for tracking general court activity. Users can quickly check upcoming hearings, case statuses, or general court trends, keeping in mind that the online public index is not exhaustive.

Location & Contact Information for Horry County Courts

Horry County courts are located in Conway, South Carolina, providing accessible services for residents and legal professionals. Each court has specific hours, phone numbers, and locations to help users reach the right office quickly.

Horry County Clerk of Court / Circuit Court

The Clerk of Court handles civil, criminal, and traffic case filings, along with official court records. For in-person visits, the main office is located in Conway.

Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5280
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Visitors should note that the Clerk of Court’s office is the primary entry point for Circuit Court dockets. Access to archived or sealed records may require calling ahead.

Horry County Family Court

Family Court handles matters such as divorce, child custody, and support cases. It shares the main building with the Clerk of Court but may have a separate floor or entrance for docket access.

Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5330
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Users seeking Family Court records should confirm their floor or office location in advance, especially for sensitive filings.

Horry County Magistrate Court

Magistrate Court manages small claims, traffic tickets, and minor criminal cases. It operates within the same complex as the main courthouse but may direct visitors to a specific sub-location.

Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5150
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Magistrate Court offers quick processing for local matters, and calling ahead can save time when confirming docket schedules.

Horry County Probate Court

Probate Court handles wills, estates, guardianships, and similar filings. Visitors can use the main courthouse address, though specific office numbers may help locate the right counter.

Address: 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
Phone: (843) 915-5285
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

For access to older probate records or documents requiring special permissions, contacting the office beforehand ensures a smoother visit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Horry County court dockets are updated regularly to reflect new filings, hearings, and scheduled cases. Most public records can be accessed online without a fee, although certain documents may require official requests.

How often are dockets updated for Horry County?

Horry County court dockets are updated daily, providing the most current information on filings, hearings, and scheduled cases. Updates generally cover all county courts, including circuit, family, and magistrate courts, and are typically posted online within 24 hours of any changes. Regularly checking the online docket ensures that attorneys, parties, and residents have access to the latest schedules and case developments.

Is there a fee to view public dockets?

Most Horry County public dockets are available for free online, allowing users to search by case number, party name, or filing date without any charge. Certain documents, such as certified copies or full paper files, may require a small fee depending on the document type and number of pages. Payment can usually be made at the court clerk’s office or through the court’s secure online system.

Can I view sealed or restricted records?

Sealed or restricted records in Horry County are not accessible to the public to protect privacy or sensitive information. These may include juvenile cases, certain family law matters, or criminal cases under protective orders. Access is only possible through a formal request or court approval, and attempting to bypass these restrictions may violate South Carolina law.

What if I don’t have a case number?

A case number is not required to search Horry County dockets, as users can locate cases using party names, filing dates, or court type. Searching without a case number is straightforward, though applying multiple filters or specifying dates helps narrow results. This system allows individuals to find relevant cases efficiently, even when limited information is available.

How do I request full case records or paper copies?

Full case records or printed documents can be requested at the clerk’s office or through the court’s online system by submitting an official request form. After identifying the correct court and paying any applicable fees, the requested records are typically prepared within a few days, depending on the case size and court workload. This process ensures that parties can obtain complete documentation when needed.