Divorce in Hawaii
State-specific overview · Family Law
Hawaii requires a 30-day waiting period after filing before a divorce can be finalized.
How Hawaii treats Divorce
Hawaii imposes a mandatory 30-day cooling-off period from the date of service or filing, during which neither spouse can obtain a final divorce decree. The state is a no-fault jurisdiction, meaning either spouse can file based on irreconcilable differences without proving wrongdoing. Property division follows equitable distribution principles, and Hawaii courts consider all relevant factors when determining spousal support and child support obligations.
The general definition of Divorce
The legal dissolution of a marriage, ending the spouses' rights and responsibilities to each other.
Divorce is the legal process by which a married couple ends their marriage. It involves a court officially terminating the marriage and typically requires decisions about property division, spousal support, child custody, and child support. The process can be contested, where the spouses disagree on terms, or uncontested, where they agree on the major issues. Once a divorce is finalized, both parties are free to remarry and are no longer legally responsible for each other.
Read the full Divorce 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.