Getting a divorce in Honolulu

Oahu Family Court provides monthly seminars

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Overview of state law

In “Divorce in Hawai’i, Part 1” we discuss the role of the attorney, the benefits of professional grief counseling and the need to immediately address domestic violence if it is a component of your situation; we also provide links to state-level domestic violence resources. In “Divorce in Hawai’i, Part 2,” we add to the discussion about residency requirements, show the relation of island location to court structure and list basic info for divorce.

Local resources to help with domestic violence

Honolulu and Oahu have a variety of agencies and facilities to help with domestic violence; online resources include:

• Honolulu Police Department, overview—

  • awareness
  • safety plan
  • protective orders/restraining orders
  • shelters and hotlines

• HSACDV, includes hotline numbers for each island;
• Domestic Violence Action Center;
• PACT Family Service Agency;
• Family Peace Center, Oahu;
• Child & Family Service, list of resources and 24/7 hotlines for shelters.

Oahu Family Court

Oahu Family Court (a part of the First Circuit Court) began operating from a new facility in March 2010, according to this announcement (and in contradiction to information on the  Family Court’s Web page. The announcement of the new facility at 4675 Kapolei Parkway also says to not trust Google map for directions. If you’re not familiar with the location, you can call the Court Concierge Desk at (808) 539-4767–but call during business hours because the recorded message also lists the address on Punchbowl Street.

Family Court instructions

According to the Family Court’s page on proceeding with divorce:

To proceed, you or your attorney must fill out forms and file them with Family Court. If you and your spouse agree on all the terms of the divorce, this is called an “uncontested divorce.” In an uncontested divorce, you do not have to appear in court if the judge approves your forms. The court staff will let you know whether the judge has approved the forms or if corrections are needed. You are legally divorced only after the judge has issued a final divorce decree.

In cases where the couple cannot agree, the judge will decide the unresolved issues. Some of the things that must be settled during divorce proceedings are:

• Who will have custody of the children? Who will have visitation?
• How will the property be divided?
• How will the debts be divided?
• Who will pay child support and how much?

While the divorce case is going on, the judge can also decide:

• Where the children will live.
• Who will pay the children’s expenses.
• If one spouse will have to pay to help support the other

Free info seminars

Although the court recommends retaining a knowledgeable divorce attorney, the court also provides monthly seminars: ” ‘Divorce Law in Hawai`i‘ is a series of free informational seminars sponsored by the Family Court of the First Circuit. Presentations include an overview of custody and visitation, child support, property division and alimony.”

Free evaluation

No matter your marital situation, we can help. If you’re ready to begin the search for a compatible, well trained, experienced divorce attorney, you can start with our free case evaluation. If you need more information, please browse our site, using the tabs at the top of the page.