Parents who are divorcing should understand how Hawaii's courts determine child custody. There are many factors that the courts consider when making custody orders. In addition, families can share custody in several different ways. Determining child custody Judges...
Child Custody
Tips for creating a sound parenting plan for your divorce
Hawaii courts require a parenting plan as part of any child custody settlement. A parenting plan is creating clear expectations, rights and roles of each parent for the children as well as clarifying the process for dealing with disagreements. There are a few things...
Questions about grandparent visitation rights in Hawaii
Many circumstances may cause a grandparent to lose access to their grandchildren. Divorce, separation or the death of one parent may have a ripple effect that limits contact between grandparents and their grandchildren. Or in some cases, the parents may limit...
3 reasons to put your parenting plan into writing
Even if you are going through an amicable divorce, relying on verbal agreements can lead to disastrous misunderstandings down the road. This is especially true regarding your parenting plan, which you can put into writing before you even go to court. Creating a...
Relocation challenges for military parents in child custody
One of the most difficult challenges for divorcing couples is trying to navigate the laws pertaining to child custody and visitation. The process can be especially daunting for military families because relocation is imminent and state laws vary. Considerations for a...
What if the custodial parent wants to move out of state?
In cases of divorce, it is not uncommon for one or both people to want to relocate at some point after the separation. This can potentially cause complications when the couple has children. Divorced parents typically share custodial time with their children. When one...
What if the other parent wants to move out of state?
The news is jarring. Your former spouse, who has primary custody of your children, intends to relocate out of state. And with such a move, your former spouse also intends to take your children away. You oppose this decision because your already limited time with your...
What does a judge consider when determining custody?
Few things have the potential to be more stressful than going through a custody dispute. When parents can't agree on how to share time with their children, the decision will be made by the Hawaii Family Court judge. What do judges consider when making custody...
What does the court consider to be a child’s best interests?
If you and your spouse are facing divorce, the well-being of your child is a priority. When matters concerning child custody arise, a judge bases decisions on the “best interests of the child.” What does this involve? A little background As divorcing parents in the...
Do I need an attorney to represent me in Family Court?
In Hawaii, you don’t have to hire an attorney to represent you before the Hawaii Family Court in your divorce or family law issue - you are legally entitled to represent yourself and act as your own attorney. But although you don’t have to hire an attorney to...