Alimony in Hawaii
State-specific overview · Family Law
Hawaii courts award alimony based on ten statutory factors and may order either spouse to pay.
How Hawaii treats Alimony
Hawaii law (HRS § 580-47) requires courts to consider factors including the standard of living, earning capacity, age, health, and length of marriage. Alimony may be temporary (during divorce proceedings) or permanent, though permanent alimony ends upon remarriage or cohabitation of the recipient. Hawaii courts have broad discretion and do not apply a strict income cap or formula.
The general definition of Alimony
Court-ordered payments from one spouse to another after divorce or separation.
Alimony is money that a court requires one spouse to pay to the other after they divorce or legally separate. It's designed to help the lower-earning spouse maintain a similar standard of living they had during the marriage. The amount and duration depend on factors like how long the marriage lasted, each person's income and earning ability, and their age and health. Alimony is different from child support, which is specifically for children's needs.
Read the full Alimony entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii.