| The first thing to realize about the divorce process in | | | | After you file the Complaint for Divorce, you will be |
| Hawaii is that here all divorces are granted on a | | | | assigned a date to attend "Kids First", an education |
| "no-fault" basis. In other words, you can get a | | | | program for families going through divorce. |
| divorce even if your spouse does not agree with | | | | Attendance at this program is mandatory, unless you |
| your decision. And when you file for divorce you do | | | | are excused by a judge. |
| not have to explain why you want a divorce. | | | | 4) Reach a Divorce Agreement |
| Asserting that your marriage is "irretrievably broken" | | | | Your divorce will be granted only if you and your |
| is enough. | | | | spouse agree on all the following points. |
| 1) Who Can File for Divorce | | | | - Assets and Debts Division |
| In order to file for divorce, you must meet two | | | | - Alimony |
| residency requirements. | | | | - Custody and Visitation |
| - You or your spouse must have been domiciled or | | | | - Child Support, calculated according to the current |
| physically present in the state of Hawaii for at least | | | | Hawaii Child Support Guidelines |
| six months prior to the filing date. This requirement | | | | Hopefully, the two of you can remain calm, resolve all |
| applies also if you serve in the military or are a legal | | | | issues by yourselves, and fill out and file the related |
| resident of another state or country. | | | | forms in court. Otherwise, you have two options. |
| - You must have been domiciled or physically present | | | | You can fight it out using attorneys who represent |
| in your Judicial Circuit for at least three months. | | | | you and negotiate on your behalf. Or you can |
| 2) Where and How To File for Divorce | | | | negotiate your divorce agreement with the |
| Your divorce will be heard by the Family Court of | | | | assistance of a neutral and professional mediator. |
| your Judicial Circuit: | | | | Keep in mind, though, that when it comes to issues |
| - Island of Oahu - Phone number: (808) 954-8000 | | | | related to children - for example, custody and |
| - Islands of Maui, Lanai and Molokai - Phone number: | | | | visitation -- Hawaii Family Courts tend to favor |
| (808) 244-2770 | | | | mediation over litigation. Why? Not only because |
| - Island of Hawaii - Hilo Division phone number: (808) | | | | Family Court judges believe that parents can and |
| 934-5700; Kona Division phone number: (808) | | | | should decide together what is in their best interest |
| 329-7377 | | | | of their kids. But also because they are aware of |
| - Island of Kauai - Phone number: (808) 482-2446 | | | | how painful it is for children to watch their dad and |
| Legally, the divorce process starts after you sign and | | | | mom fighting over them. |
| submit two forms - "Complaint for Divorce" and | | | | 5) When the Divorce Process Ends |
| "Matrimonial Action Information" -- which you can pick | | | | The divorce process ends after a Family Court judge |
| up at the Family Court desk or download from the | | | | reviews your Divorce Agreement, and signs your |
| Hawaii State Judiciary website. | | | | Divorce Decree. |
| 3) Attend Kids First Program (if you have children) | | | | |