Myrtle Beach Clerk Of Courts Directory: 2026 Guide To Horry County Legal Records, Court Fees, And Case Search

While many individuals search for a single "Myrtle Beach Clerk of Courts" office, no such municipal-level county court clerk exists. Instead, court services for Myrtle Beach are split between the Horry County Clerk of Court—headquartered in nearby Conway, South Carolina—which handles county-wide civil, domestic, and felony criminal matters, and the Myrtle Beach Municipal Court, which exercises jurisdiction strictly over local city ordinances and traffic infractions within city limits.

This technical guide outlines the administrative pathways, record-retrieval systems, filing protocols, and jurisdictional boundaries governing the legal systems of Horry County and the City of Myrtle Beach in 2026.

Navigating Judicial Jurisdictions in Horry County

To efficiently resolve legal matters or retrieve public records, you must identify which court has jurisdiction over your case. Misfiling or attending the wrong courthouse can lead to missed deadlines, default judgments, or active bench warrants.

The Horry County Clerk of Court (Conway, SC)

The Horry County Clerk of Court administers the 15th Judicial Circuit, which encompasses Horry and Georgetown counties. Operating from the historic Conway courthouse complex, this office is the central repository for all major legal actions occurring within the county, including the municipal boundaries of Myrtle Beach. The Clerk of Court manages:

• The Court of Common Pleas: Civil disputes where the amount in controversy exceeds $7,500, personal injury lawsuits, contract disputes, and appeals from lower magistrate courts.
• The Court of General Sessions: Felony and high-level misdemeanor criminal prosecutions brought by the State.
• The Family Court: Domestic relations, including divorce filings, child custody disputes, child support enforcement, adoptions, and juvenile delinquency cases.
• The Register of Deeds (ROD): Though sometimes managed as a separate department, land titles, mortgages, liens, and plat maps are recorded under county-wide deed registries in Conway.

The Myrtle Beach Municipal Court (Myrtle Beach, SC)

The Myrtle Beach Municipal Court operates as a court of limited jurisdiction. It holds authority solely over misdemeanor offenses, traffic violations, and municipal code infractions occurring inside the city limits of Myrtle Beach. It does not handle civil lawsuits, divorces, or felony prosecutions.

Horry County Clerk of Court Services and Conway Courthouse Access

For any legal matter elevating beyond a municipal misdemeanor, the Horry County Clerk of Court serves as the primary administrative authority.

Location and Operational Contact Information

• Physical Address: Horry County Government & Justice Center, 1301 Second Avenue, Conway, SC 29526
• Mailing Address: P.O. Box 677, Conway, SC 29528
• General Office Phone: (843) 915-5080
• Family Court Division Phone: (843) 915-5082
• Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding state-recognized holidays)

Key Administrative Personnel

In 2026, the office operates under the direction of the elected Clerk of Court, Melanie Huggins, alongside a staff of deputy clerks distributed across the Civil, Criminal, and Family Court divisions.

Courthouse Security and Access Guidelines

When visiting the Horry County Government & Justice Center, visitors must pass through a security screening checkpoint managed by the Horry County Sheriff's Office.

1. Prohibited Items: All weapons, pocketknives, scissors, pepper spray, and explosive materials are strictly forbidden.
2. Electronic Devices: Cell phones must be silenced or turned off before entering any courtroom. Photography, video recording, and audio recording are prohibited within courtrooms unless express permission has been granted by the presiding judge.
3. Dress Code: Business casual attire is recommended. Shorts, halter tops, tank tops, and clothing with offensive language or imagery may result in denial of entry to the courtrooms.

Myrtle Beach Municipal Court Operations and Ticket Resolution

If you received a traffic citation from a Myrtle Beach Police officer or were arrested for a municipal misdemeanor (such as public intoxication or simple possession within city limits), your case will be routed through the city’s municipal court system.

Location and Operational Contact Information

• Physical Address: Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center, 1101 Oak Street, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
• General Court Phone: (843) 918-1356
• Operating Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (excluding designated municipal holidays)

Payment Procedures for Municipal Citations

For non-mandatory court appearance tickets, defendants can resolve their violations before the scheduled court date using several approved payment channels:

• Online Payments: The City of Myrtle Beach maintains a secure online payment portal accessible through their municipal website. Payments require the ticket or warrant number along with a valid credit card.
• In-Person Payments: Cash, certified checks, cashier's checks, money orders, and major credit cards are accepted at the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center window during regular business hours. Personal checks are not accepted for criminal or traffic fines.
• Mail-In Payments: Certified checks or money orders made payable to the "City of Myrtle Beach" can be mailed to the court’s physical address. The defendant must enclose a copy of the citation to ensure proper credit.

Comprehensive Jurisdictional Comparison and Contact Protocol

The following table serves as a reference directory to distinguish where to file documents, pay fees, and attend hearings depending on the nature of your legal matter.

Step-by-Step Guide to Retrieving Public Court Records and Land Deeds

Accessing public records in South Carolina is governed by the state’s Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the automated public indexing systems implemented by the South Carolina Judicial Branch.

Searching the Horry County Public Index

To research civil judgments, criminal records, or magistrate cases online, follow these steps:

1. Access the Official Portal: Navigate to the Horry County Public Index portal hosted by the South Carolina Judicial Branch. Avoid third-party search engines that charge fees for public data.
2. Execute a Name Search: Enter the last name followed by the first name of the individual or business entity in question. You can narrow search parameters by selecting a specific court type (Common Pleas, General Sessions, or Magistrate).
3. Filter by Case Status: Utilize the advanced filters to isolate "Active", "Pending", or "Disposed" cases.
4. Review Case Action Sheets: Click on the Case Number to access the case details, chronological filings, judge assignments, and final dispositions.

Accessing Family Court Records By law, family court records involving minors, adoptions, and sensitive domestic disputes are heavily restricted. They cannot be viewed through the public online index. To request certified copies of divorce decrees or custody orders, authorized parties must present a valid government-issued ID and pay the statutory search fees in person at the Family Court division in Conway.

Searching Real Estate Deeds and Mortgages

Property records within the Myrtle Beach municipal area are recorded through the Horry County Register of Deeds (ROD).

1. Go to the Horry County Register of Deeds online database.
2. Search by Grantor (seller/transferor), Grantee (buyer/transferee), or Book and Page number.
3. Images of recorded deeds, easements, plat maps, and mortgage liens from historical books up to 2026 are accessible for viewing and printing. Certified copies can be ordered directly from the office for a nominal per-page fee.

Administrative Timelines, Fees, and Procedural Best Practices

Filing civil actions or requesting documents from the Horry County Clerk of Court requires adherence to strict statutory fee schedules and court schedules.

Filing Fees

Filing fees are subject to adjustment. As of 2026, standard court costs and filing fees include:

• Summons and Complaint Filing (Common Pleas): $150.00
• Motion Filing Fee: $25.00
• Lis Pendens Filing Fee: $10.00
• Certified Copy Fee: $2.50 minimum plus $0.50 per additional page
• Deed Recording Fee: $15.00 flat fee (subject to transfer taxes based on transaction value)

Administrative Workflows and Processing Times

Understanding the timeline of document filings prevents procedural delays:

• Civil Judgments processing: Once a judge signs an order, the Clerk of Court’s office typically indexes and files the judgment within 48 to 72 business hours.
• Deed Recording processing: Land transactions submitted electronically (e-recording) are generally reviewed, indexed, and made public within 24 hours of submission. Manual paper filings brought to the Conway office can take up to 5 business days during periods of high real estate volume.
• Child Support Processing: Child support payments processed through the state’s centralized SDU (State Disbursement Unit) are coordinated with the local Family Court. Account ledger adjustments typically show within 48 hours of payment settlement.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Myrtle Beach Area Courts

How do I pay a traffic ticket issued by the Myrtle Beach Police Department?

If your ticket was issued by a Myrtle Beach city police officer, you must pay it through the Myrtle Beach Municipal Court. This can be executed online via the City of Myrtle Beach's payment website, in person at the Ted C. Collins Law Enforcement Center (1101 Oak Street), or by mailing a cashier's check or money order. Do not send payments to the Conway courthouse for municipal tickets, as county offices cannot process municipal-level citations.

Where do I go to file for divorce if I reside in Myrtle Beach?

Divorce filings fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the Horry County Family Court. You or your legal representative must file the necessary Summons and Complaint documents at the Horry County Government & Justice Center located at 1301 Second Avenue in Conway. The Myrtle Beach Municipal Court does not process domestic relations cases or divorce filings.

How can I search for criminal arrest records in the Myrtle Beach area?

For misdemeanor offenses handled by the city, you must request records directly from the Myrtle Beach Municipal Court or the Myrtle Beach Police Department Records Division. For serious misdemeanor and felony offenses, you can perform a search on the Horry County Public Index website using the defendant's full name. This index aggregates criminal cases managed by the Court of General Sessions and the county Magistrate Courts.

What should I do if I receive a jury summons for Horry County?

If you receive a Juror Summons, you must follow the precise instructions printed on the document. Jurors summoned for the Circuit Court (Common Pleas and General Sessions) or Family Court must report to the Horry County Government & Justice Center in Conway. Ensure you call the juror information line listed on your summons the evening before your scheduled service to verify if your presence is still required, as cases frequently settle before trial.

How do I obtain a certified copy of a property deed for a home in Myrtle Beach?

To obtain a certified copy of a property deed, you must contact the Horry County Register of Deeds in Conway. You can locate the deed's Book and Page number through their online land records portal, then visit the office in person or submit a written request by mail enclosing the appropriate copying fees. The City of Myrtle Beach municipal offices do not maintain or distribute land deeds.

Accessing Legal Representation and Self-Help Resources

Navigating the bifurcated system of county and municipal courts in the Myrtle Beach area can be legally complex. For those representing themselves (pro se litigants), the South Carolina Judicial Branch provides standard legal forms, self-help packets, and procedural resources online. However, court administrative staff and deputy clerks are legally prohibited from providing legal advice, interpreting statutes, or recommending specific legal strategies.

If you require professional legal counsel, you can utilize the South Carolina Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. This resource matches citizens with qualified, licensed attorneys practicing within the 15th Judicial Circuit who can represent you in the Horry County Clerk of Court or the Myrtle Beach Municipal Court.