Family Law Resources

Filing for Divorce in Hawaii

Residency Requirements

At least one spouse must have been a Hawaii resident for at least 6 months or married in Hawaii.

Waiting Period

No mandatory waiting period after filing.

Grounds

• No-fault: Marriage is irretrievably broken


• Two-year separation: Living apart for 2 years

Family Courts in Hawaii

Hawaii has a unified Family Court within the First, Second, Third, and Fifth circuits.

Major Courts

• Honolulu (Oahu): First Circuit Family Court


• Maui: Second Circuit Family Court


• Hawaii Island: Third Circuit Family Court


• Kauai: Fifth Circuit Family Court

Filing Fees in Hawaii

Fee Schedule

• Divorce with children: $265


• Divorce without children: $215

Fee Waiver

Application for Waiver available based on income.

Free Legal Resources in Hawaii

Legal Aid Society of Hawaii

• Website: legalaidhawaii.org


• Phone: 808-536-4302

Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii

• Website: vlsh.org

Hawaii's Unique Family Law Features

Unified Family Court

Hawaii has a unified Family Court handling all family matters.

No Waiting Period

No mandatory post-filing waiting period.

Equitable Distribution

Hawaii divides property equitably (fairly), not necessarily 50/50.

Multi-Island Consideration

Geographic challenges of island living factor into custody arrangements.