Conway Probate Records at Horry County Court
Conway is the county seat of Horry County and the location of Horry County Probate Court. Residents of Conway and surrounding communities file estate cases, marriage license applications, guardianship petitions, and involuntary commitment proceedings at the Horry County courthouse. You can search Conway probate records online through the South Carolina Judicial Branch or visit the probate court in person during regular business hours.
Conway Quick Facts
Horry County Probate Court in Conway
The South Carolina Judicial Branch provides oversight for all 46 probate courts in the state, including Horry County Probate Court in Conway. The court handles estate administration, will filings, marriage licenses, guardianship and conservatorship cases, wrongful death settlements involving minors, and involuntary mental health commitments. The probate judge is elected countywide to a four-year term.
Horry County is one of South Carolina's fastest-growing counties, driven in large part by the coastal communities surrounding Myrtle Beach. Conway, located about 15 miles inland, serves as the governmental center of the county. All probate matters for residents throughout Horry County are processed at the Conway courthouse, regardless of whether they live near the coast or further inland.
The court maintains a complete public record of all cases it handles. These records are open to the public and can be accessed online or in person at the Conway courthouse.
Searching Conway Probate Court Records
The SC Judicial Branch Public Index at sccourts.org offers free online access to Horry County probate case information. You can search by the name of any party in the case or by the case number. Results show filing dates, party names, and case status. For actual documents or certified copies, contact the probate court directly or visit in person.
All probate procedures in Horry County follow Title 62 of the SC Code of Laws, the South Carolina Probate Code that governs all 46 counties. Knowing this code can help you understand what the court requires at each step of a case, whether you are opening an estate, applying for a marriage license, or pursuing guardianship of a family member.
For in-person searches at the Conway courthouse, bring a valid photo ID. Staff can look up cases by name or case number and provide copies from the court file. Call ahead to confirm current hours and copy fees before your visit. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
Note: The year a case was filed can help narrow your search in the public index when a party name returns too many results.
Estate Administration in Conway
When a Horry County resident dies, the estate is filed at the probate court in Conway. South Carolina law requires that any person who has possession of a will bring it to the probate court within 30 days of death. If no will exists, the next of kin should come in with the death certificate to open the estate as an intestate case.
The court requires original documents. Copies and faxed materials are not accepted at the time of filing. Once the estate is open, the court assigns a case number and issues letters testamentary or letters of administration. The personal representative then has authority to gather assets, notify creditors, pay valid debts, file an accounting with the court, and distribute what remains to the heirs.
All of these filings become part of the public record at Horry County Probate Court in Conway. Estate records include the will, an inventory of assets, accountings, and the final order of distribution. Anyone can review these documents through the public index or by visiting the courthouse.
Marriage Licenses in Horry County
The South Carolina State Library maintains historical probate records and related legal resources that can assist Conway and Horry County residents with older filings and genealogical research.
Horry County Probate Court in Conway issues all marriage licenses for residents of the county. Both parties must appear together to apply. Each person must present a Social Security card and a legal photo ID. The fee is $46. South Carolina law requires a 24-hour waiting period from the time of application before the license can be issued. One party must return to the courthouse after that period to pick up the license.
Marriage license records are part of the permanent public record at Horry County Probate Court. Historical marriage records can be requested by contacting the court directly. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Guardianship and Other Probate Matters
Horry County Probate Court handles guardianship cases for adults who are unable to make decisions for themselves due to mental or physical impairment. A guardian makes personal and health care decisions for the incapacitated person. A conservator manages financial affairs. Both are appointed by the probate court following a formal hearing.
To begin the process, a petitioner files a guardianship or conservatorship petition at the Conway courthouse. The court appoints a guardian ad litem to represent the person whose capacity is in question. After receiving required medical and visitor reports, the judge holds a hearing to determine whether appointment is warranted. Once appointed, guardians and conservators must file annual reports with the probate court.
The court also processes involuntary mental health commitment cases, wrongful death settlements, and conservatorships for minors who receive more than $10,000 from any source. All of these proceedings are governed by Title 62 of the SC Code of Laws and result in public records maintained at the Horry County courthouse in Conway.
Horry County Probate Court Records
Conway is the county seat of Horry County. All probate matters for Conway residents are handled at Horry County Probate Court. For the full list of court details, estate filing guides, record types, and more county-level information, visit the Horry County page.
Nearby South Carolina Cities
Residents of nearby cities file probate matters at the probate court for their county. Select a city below for local court information.