Horry County Probate Records and Court Documents

The Horry County Probate Court, seated in Conway, manages estate administration, guardianship and conservatorship cases, involuntary commitments, and marriage licenses for residents across one of South Carolina's largest and fastest-growing counties. Horry County probate court records document the legal steps taken when people die, lose capacity, or seek protection through the court. Whether you live along the Grand Strand coast, in Myrtle Beach, or in the rural inland parts of the county, this guide covers what you need to know about finding and using Horry County probate court records.

About the Horry County Probate Court

The Horry County Probate Court operates under the South Carolina Probate Code, Title 62. It is a court of limited jurisdiction, meaning it handles specific legal matters defined by state law. The probate judge is an elected official serving a four-year term.

Horry County covers a wide stretch of South Carolina's northeastern coastline. The county seat is Conway, a historic inland city. The county also includes the Grand Strand, a coastal stretch anchored by Myrtle Beach. The combination of permanent residents, retirees, and seasonal visitors creates a diverse population with varied probate needs.

The Register of Deeds in Horry County is an appointed position, meaning the county's governing body selects this official. This is different from counties where the Clerk of Court handles deed recording or where voters elect the Register directly. The appointed Register of Deeds operates as a separate office from the probate court.

Note: For court forms and procedural guidance, the South Carolina Judicial Branch forms page offers downloadable documents that apply to Horry County probate proceedings.

Myrtle Beach and Horry County Probate Records

Myrtle Beach is the largest city in Horry County. It was incorporated in 1938 and became a full city in 1957. Today it has more than 35,000 permanent residents and draws millions of visitors each year to its wide beaches and warm weather along the Grand Strand coast.

The City of Myrtle Beach is a major community within Horry County. Residents of Myrtle Beach who need probate court services file with the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. The city does not have its own probate court. All estate filings, marriage licenses, and guardianship cases for Myrtle Beach residents are handled at the county level.

The large population of retirees in the Myrtle Beach area means the probate court handles a significant volume of estate cases. Many residents plan their estates in advance through wills and trusts, but probate court involvement is still common when assets need to be formally transferred after death.

Horry County Probate Court and Estate Administration

When a resident of Horry County dies, an interested party can petition the probate court to open an estate. The court reviews the petition and, if appropriate, appoints a personal representative to manage the estate's affairs. This person gathers assets, pays debts, handles creditor claims, and distributes what remains.

The South Carolina Judicial Branch website provides an overview of how probate courts work across the state. Horry County follows the same procedural framework. Estate records filed with the court are generally public, though some documents may carry access restrictions.

Estate files typically include the petition to open, the will if one exists, an inventory of assets, notices to creditors, and a final accounting. When an estate is settled, the court issues a closing order. All of these documents form part of the permanent record and can be reviewed at the Horry County Probate Court in Conway.

Estates with real property require additional steps. Deeds must be retitled through the Register of Deeds office. The probate court and the Register of Deeds work together to make sure that property ownership is correctly updated after an estate closes.

Guardianship and Conservatorship Records in Horry County

Horry County probate court records include cases where the court has appointed a guardian or conservator for a person who cannot manage their own life or finances. These cases arise when an adult becomes incapacitated due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline. They also arise when minor children lose a parent or caregiver.

A guardian manages personal decisions for the protected person. A conservator handles financial matters. In some cases, one person holds both roles. The court monitors these arrangements through required periodic reports.

Guardianship and conservatorship files are part of the court record. Some details within these files may be protected under state law due to their sensitive nature. Anyone seeking access to these records should contact the Horry County Probate Court directly to understand what is available.

Note: South Carolina law requires conservators to file annual accountings with the probate court. These reports help the court confirm that the protected person's assets are being managed properly.

Marriage Licenses Through the Horry County Probate Court

Couples who wish to marry in South Carolina must obtain a marriage license from a probate court. Horry County residents and those planning to marry in the county apply at the Horry County Probate Court in Conway. Both applicants must appear in person and present valid identification.

The license is valid for 30 days after issue. Once the ceremony takes place, the officiant signs and returns the license to the probate court for recording. The completed marriage record is then part of the permanent court file.

Marriage records from the Horry County Probate Court are useful for legal matters like name changes, insurance claims, and Social Security applications. Researchers tracing family history also find them helpful. Certified copies may be requested through the court or through services like VitalChek.

Horry County Register of Deeds and Property Records

Horry County has a separate, appointed Register of Deeds office. This office records deeds, mortgages, liens, and other documents related to real property in the county. The appointed structure means the governing body selects this official, rather than county voters electing them directly.

The South Carolina Register of Deeds resource offers context on how deed recording is organized across the state. For Horry County property records, the Register of Deeds office is the correct place to search. These records often connect to probate cases when real estate is part of an estate.

Property searches can confirm ownership history, identify encumbrances, and track transfers that resulted from probate proceedings. Combining information from the probate court and the Register of Deeds often gives the most complete picture of a property's legal history.

Accessing Horry County Probate Court Records

Many Horry County probate court records are open to the public. You can visit the probate court office in Conway to search files in person. Staff can assist with locating records by name, case number, or date range.

Certified copies of probate documents require a written request and may involve a copying fee. The SC.gov portal offers some statewide record lookup tools. For Horry County records not available online, an in-person visit or written request to the court is the most reliable approach.

The South Carolina State House website links to statutes governing access to court records. Understanding what is public and what may be restricted will help you plan your request effectively.

Cities in Horry County with Probate Court Connections

Horry County is home to several communities whose residents all use the county probate court in Conway. Below are some of the cities in our records directory.

Neighboring Counties and Probate Records

Horry County borders several other counties. Families with roots in multiple areas may need to search more than one county's probate records.