Hawaii Divorce Attorneys Who Take A Practical Approach

When a marriage unravels, it has a lasting effect on more people than just the spouses. Families splinter, children are torn between parents and uncertainties litter life’s new path. The last thing you need is a long, expensive and bitter divorce. Now that you have decided to pursue a divorce, it is important to find an experienced, compassionate and understanding attorney who will work to keep you out of court and help you bring your divorce to a conclusion as quickly and amicably as possible.

At Greg Ryan & Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLLC, in Honolulu, our divorce attorneys are assertive and effective, and they always seek fair, reasonable and practical solutions in divorce and family law disputes.

To arrange a consultation, please call us at 808-796-5613 or complete our contact form. We provide caring and results-focused representation for clients throughout Hawaii.

Why You Should Consider Our Team To Take Care Of Your Divorce

Our lawyers will leverage their impressive level of experience and knowledge of Hawaii divorce law to provide practical solutions to every necessary detail of your case. Divorce is a real-life matter that goes beyond legal technicalities. You deserve a divorce settlement or court verdict that fits your needs and long-term goals. Our team’s strategies emphasize amicable resolutions whenever possible, especially when our clients will be co-parenting their children with their exes. A settlement that both sides can accept as reasonable is one that both sides will respect and abide by, reducing stress and the cost of going back to court in the future.

Our firm founder, Gregory L. Ryan, leads our team of attorneys, paralegals and support staff. Together, they have decades of experience guiding clients step by step through their divorces while providing them with personal attention, compassion and effective advice. Mr. Ryan and our team know the importance of maintaining a fair, civil and dignified divorce process. A long, ugly and expensive court “battle” will only increase your stress, reduce your family’s wealth and negatively affect your children – potentially, for many years after the divorce. Let our lawyers help you find a fair and reasonable resolution in a calm, caring and compassionate environment.

Our Divorce Services

You have more than one option when it comes to getting divorced in Hawaii. They depend on factors such as the spouses’ ability to negotiate in good faith and the nature of their marital assets. Our attorneys are equally skilled in each of the following types of divorce:

• Uncontested divorce: If you and your spouse have already worked out property division, child custody and other matters on your own, then uncontested divorce is an option and can save you considerable time and money. One of our attorneys can explain the process and represent your interests.
• Contested divorce: This is the traditional form of divorce. In a contested divorce, the spouses take a more adversarial tack to negotiations, and unresolved matters can end up in court. This is typically most appropriate when the spouses’ relationship has deteriorated significantly, making other approaches impractical.
• Collaborative divorce: As the name suggests, a collaborative divorce is one in which the spouses work together to settle all divorce matters. It is similar to an uncontested divorce, except that the parties come into it still needing to resolve issues such as property division and child support.
• Mediation services: Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. The parties meet with a mediator, a neutral third party who is typically very experienced in the field, such as a retired family court judge or practicing divorce attorney. Instead of representing either side, the mediator works to help the sides settle their differences over the course of one or more meetings.

Our attorneys will help you choose the form of divorce that best fits your situation and will assist you in taking full advantage of it.

Key Divorce Issues Our Team Handles

In their combined decades of practice in Hawaii, our lawyers have advocated for our clients in divorce-related matters such as the following:

• Child custody and visitation: Your children deserve the best that you and your ex can provide them. Our attorneys are highly experienced in reaching practical outcomes regarding parenting plans that are in the kids’ best interests.
• Child support: Our lawyers’ work representing custodial and noncustodial parents means that they know how to get child support set at a level that is fair to both sides – and the children.
• Spousal support (alimony): In many cases, one spouse seeks alimony from the other due to an inability to support themselves in the same lifestyle they experienced during the marriage. Whether you need spousal support or are being asked to pay, our team can guide you through the process.
• Division of marital assets and debts: In Hawaii, each spouse is entitled to a fair portion of the marital wealth in a divorce. Our attorneys will carefully investigate and valuate your property to make sure you get what you deserve.
• Debt division: Along with the assets, divorcing spouses must divide their marital debts. Let our team help you avoid taking on an unfair debt burden.

Special Considerations In Hawaii Divorces

Every state has its own divorce laws and procedures. Here in Hawaii, we have no-fault divorce, which means that you do not have to claim (or prove) that your spouse did anything specific to cause your relationship to break down. Instead, all you have to claim as grounds for divorce is “irreconcilable differences,” which simply means that your relationship is broken and cannot be fixed. Also, you did not have to get married in Hawaii to file for divorce here, but you or your spouse must have lived in the state for at least six months before either of you can file.

Hawaii is home to a large number of U.S. military families. A military divorce raises unique challenges related to things like child custody and pensions. We have successfully represented many military service members and spouses in military divorce and family law matters. As a former judge advocate, Mr. Ryan is very knowledgeable and experienced regarding your rights as a military family.

Have questions about divorce in Hawaii? Please see our Hawaii Divorce FAQ.

The Divorce Process In Hawaii

The process officially begins with filing for divorce with your local family court. The spouse who files must also serve notice to the other spouse. This service must be delivered to the spouse personally, if possible, though service by mail or publication is allowed in limited circumstances. Once served, the nonfiling spouse has the chance to file a response.

Next comes discovery, when each side demands evidence from the other to help them prepare their case. After that, negotiations can begin, often through mediation or collaborative divorce. Most parties settle without having to go to court, but the court will schedule a trial date if necessary. A divorce trial is like any other civil trial, with attorneys for each side presenting evidence, questioning witnesses and making statements in support of their clients. At the end of the trial, the jury or judge makes their ruling, and the judge issues the divorce order.

Post-Divorce Matters

The divorce order does not have to be the end. You have the right to go back to court to seek a modification if some part of the order, such as spousal support, was decided unfairly or no longer fits the current circumstances. However, parties must abide by the terms of the order until they are changed. If your spouse has fallen behind on child support or alimony or is violating the child custody plan, you can ask the court to enforce the order. We can represent you effectively regardless of which side of the controversy you are on.

Protecting Your Rights And Interests

The physical safety of yourself and your children is the most important. If domestic violence is an issue, our team can help you secure a temporary restraining order or advise you if your spouse has taken one out against you. Our lawyers will also protect you financially by asking the court to freeze key accounts to prevent your spouse from draining them to deprive you of your fair share.

Client Testimonials

“I have nothing but positive things to say about Greg and his team. Everyone is so professional, helpful and kind. I was feeling bottom low, nervous and confused when I asked him for help, and he gave me the voice I lost once and helped me to have better opportunities for my new life. One of my biggest concerns was property I and my ex owned. Greg’s team also has a very strong and knowledgeable real estate agent who made everything easier for me. I highly recommend this firm for anyone who’s going through a hard time like I was. Thank you Greg!”

– Miyuki

Click here to read more testimonials from our clients.

Contact A Divorce Attorney To Schedule A Consultation

If you are facing divorce or other family law disputes, you need an experienced and caring divorce attorney to help you successfully navigate the complex legal process. Our lawyers at Greg Ryan & Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLLC, in Honolulu are effective and compassionate. For an initial consultation, please complete our contact form or call 808-796-5613.