Myrtle Beach Divorce Records

Myrtle Beach is one of the most visited cities in South Carolina, and it sits within Horry County. Residents who need to find or file divorce records must work through the Horry County Family Court, which is located in Conway — the county seat. This guide covers where to look, how to search, what records contain, and what the process looks like from start to finish. Whether you need a copy for legal purposes or just want to confirm case details, this page has the answers.

Where to File in Myrtle Beach

All divorce cases for Myrtle Beach residents are handled by the Horry County Family Court in Conway. Myrtle Beach does not have its own family court. Conway is about 13 miles west of the beach, and the courthouse handles all civil family matters for the entire county. This is true whether you live in Myrtle Beach proper, North Myrtle Beach, or any unincorporated part of Horry County.

South Carolina law under § 20-3-60 sets venue rules for divorce. A case may be filed in the county where either spouse lives. If only one spouse lives in South Carolina, that spouse's county controls. Since Myrtle Beach is in Horry County, all cases tied to Myrtle Beach residents go to Conway.

The City of Myrtle Beach maintains its own municipal services, but family court matters are handled at the county level. See the city's official site for local services.

Myrtle Beach city services do not include family court. All divorce filings go to Horry County in Conway.

Note: Horry County is the most populous county in South Carolina by area. Its population of roughly 380,000 means the family court handles a high volume of cases each year.

How to Search Myrtle Beach Divorce Records

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides an online tool called Public Index where anyone can search court case records by name, case number, or date. Divorce cases from Horry County appear there. You can see case status, party names, filing dates, and docket entries. Detailed documents are not always available online, but the index gives you enough to confirm a case exists and find its number.

For more detail, you can visit the Horry County Clerk of Court in person. In-person access lets you view full case files, including pleadings, orders, and final decrees. Here is what to bring:

• Photo ID such as a driver's license or passport
• The names of both parties or the case number if you have it
• Payment for any copy fees charged per page
• A written request if you want certified copies

Note: As of January 1, 2026, home addresses have been removed from public court records in South Carolina. You will not see full residential addresses on documents pulled after that date.

The Divorce Filing Process

South Carolina recognizes both fault and no-fault divorce. The most common ground is one-year separation under § 20-3-10. Other grounds include adultery, physical cruelty, habitual drunkenness, and desertion for one year. Most Myrtle Beach couples use separation because it avoids proving misconduct and keeps the process simpler. Once the separation period is complete, either spouse can file.

South Carolina does not have a formal residency period to wait before filing once you qualify. Under § 20-3-30, if both spouses live in the state, one of them must have been a resident for at least three months. If only one spouse lives in South Carolina, that spouse must have been a resident for one year before filing. For Myrtle Beach residents, this is rarely an issue since most people who live here year-round have met the requirement well before any separation period ends.

After filing, the other spouse is served with paperwork. South Carolina requires a waiting period before a final hearing. Under § 20-3-80, cases involving separation typically require at least a three-month wait from filing before the divorce can be finalized. A judge must sign the final order, and the court clerk records it. The divorce is not final until that order is signed and entered.

Note: Issues like property division, alimony under § 20-3-130, and child custody are handled in the same family court case but may take longer to resolve than the divorce itself.

Filing Fees for Myrtle Beach Residents

The filing fee to start a divorce case in South Carolina is approximately $150. This covers the initial complaint. There may be additional fees for service of process, motions, or certified copies of the final decree. Fees can add up if the case involves multiple motions or hearings.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. South Carolina allows fee waivers for people who meet income guidelines. You must file a financial affidavit showing your income, expenses, and assets. The clerk will review it and let you know if the waiver is approved. You still owe the fee if your financial situation improves or if you receive a settlement.

Note: Contact the Horry County Clerk directly at (843) 915-5080 to confirm current fee amounts before you go, as fees can change.

What Divorce Records Contain

A divorce record in South Carolina is a court file. It includes several types of documents created during the case. Here is what you typically find:

• The original complaint for divorce and any answer filed by the other spouse
• Financial declarations showing income, debts, and property
• Any temporary orders for support or custody during the case
• Agreements reached between the parties, such as a marital settlement agreement
• The final decree of divorce signed by the family court judge
• Child custody and support orders if minor children were involved

The final decree is the most requested document. It confirms that the marriage was legally ended, states the date, and identifies both parties. Courts may use it as proof of divorce for name change requests, remarriage, and insurance or benefits purposes.

Divorce Certificates from South Carolina DHEC

South Carolina's Department of Public Health maintains a separate divorce report system. These are not the same as court records. The state has collected divorce data since July 1962. Reports are available for divorces that occurred between July 1962 and December 2023. The cost for a divorce report from DHEC is $12 per copy.

The South Carolina DPH vital records office processes divorce report requests. These reports show the fact of a divorce but are not the same as certified court decrees.

Use the DPH divorce report for a quick confirmation of a divorce on record. For full legal documentation, request certified copies from the Horry County court.

To get a certified copy of the actual court decree, you must go through the Horry County Clerk of Court, not DHEC. The Secretary of State's office can also help if you need an apostille for use in another country. VitalChek at vitalchek.com processes DHEC divorce report orders online.

Note: DHEC reports are not court-certified documents. They confirm a divorce took place but do not include the terms of the divorce, property division, or custody arrangements.

Legal Help for Myrtle Beach Residents

If you cannot afford a private attorney, South Carolina has resources that can help. SC Legal Services provides free civil legal help to low-income residents, including family law matters. They have staff who can advise on divorce procedures and sometimes represent clients at no cost.

The South Carolina Bar also runs referral programs that connect people with attorneys for an initial consultation at a reduced fee. Many Horry County attorneys offer payment plans, especially for uncontested divorces. An uncontested case — where both parties agree on all terms — is simpler and usually costs less than a contested one.

You can also find court forms on the South Carolina Courts website. The SCCA299 is the standard form used in South Carolina divorce cases. The family court clerk can tell you which forms apply to your situation, though they cannot give legal advice.

Self-Help Court Resources

The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides self-help materials for people who represent themselves in family court. These are available through the court's website and in person at the clerk's office.

The SC Courts family court page explains how the court works and what to expect during a case.

South Carolina's Family Court was established in 1976 and handles all divorce, custody, and support matters statewide. Myrtle Beach residents use the Horry County division in Conway.

Note: Representing yourself is allowed, but it carries risk in contested cases. Even a brief consultation with an attorney can help you avoid common mistakes in the filing process.

Horry County Divorce Records

All Myrtle Beach divorce records are part of the Horry County court system. The Horry County Family Court in Conway maintains these files and handles new filings. You can search cases online through Public Index or visit the clerk in person at 1301 2nd Avenue, Conway. The county's high population means the court processes a large number of family cases every year, and staff are familiar with helping people find records.

View Horry County Divorce Records

Nearby South Carolina Cities

If you are looking for divorce records in cities near Myrtle Beach, the links below will take you to those pages. Each city uses the family court in its county, so the courthouse location may differ.

View Major South Carolina Cities