SIMPLIFYING YOUR DIVORCE
Hawaii Divorce Papers
Filing for divorce in Hawaii can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out which paperwork applies to your situation. The good news: once you understand how the forms fit together, the process becomes a lot less intimidating. This guide walks you through the Hawaii divorce papers commonly used in the islands, what each one does, and where to find them.
One thing that makes Hawaii different from most states is that there is no single statewide set of divorce forms. Instead, forms are circuit-specific, meaning the exact form numbers depend on which island your case is filed in. We will explain how that works so you know what to look for.
This page is purely informational. It describes what the forms are used for and how the process generally works, not what you personally should file or do. Everyone's circumstances are different, and for advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
Which Hawaii Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you encounter depend on a few things: which circuit (island) your case is filed in, whether you and your spouse agree on the terms, and whether you have minor children. Because Hawaii does not publish one statewide packet, the form numbers below are listed by circuit. The First Circuit covers Oahu (form prefix 1F-), the Second Circuit covers Maui, Molokai, and Lanai (prefix 2F-), and the Third Circuit covers Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island (prefix 3F-). The Fifth Circuit covers Kauai (prefix 5F-); the primary Kauai uncontested-divorce packets are 5F-P-183 (without children) and 5F-P-184 (with children), and you can contact the Fifth Circuit at (808) 482-2330 for the complete current list. Below, related forms are grouped by what they accomplish.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce; Automatic Restraining Order; and Summons (1F-P-2039 — Oahu; 3F-P-266 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-559 — Maui)
This is the document that initiates the divorce action. Notably, this form also triggers automatic financial restraining orders against both parties, restricting the disposing of marital assets while the case is pending.
Matrimonial Action Information (1F-P-082 — Oahu; 3F-P-269 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-100 — Maui)
This form provides the court with statistical and identifying information about the parties and the marriage.
Responding to the Complaint
Answer to Complaint for Divorce (1F-P-1071 — Oahu; 3F-P-360 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-363 — Maui)
This is the responding spouse's formal written response to the divorce complaint.
Appearance and Waiver (1F-P-332 — Oahu; 3F-P-264 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-016 — Maui)
This form is used in uncontested cases, where the responding spouse waives formal service and enters an appearance with the court.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Income and Expense Statement (1F-P-081 — Oahu; 3F-P-270 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-035 — Maui)
This form discloses each party's income and monthly expenses to the court.
Asset and Debt Statement (1F-P-063 — Oahu; 3F-P-272 — Hawaii Island; 2C-E-167 — Maui)
This form discloses each party's assets and debts, which the court uses in dividing property.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Appendix A-1 to the 2024 Hawaii Child Support Guidelines)
This worksheet calculates the child support obligation using the state's income-shares formula and is used in cases involving minor children. Note that this is a guidelines worksheet rather than a standalone numbered court form.
Proposed Parenting Plan (1F-P-796 — Oahu; 3F-P-363 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-796 — Maui)
This form sets out the physical custody schedule, legal custody, and visitation arrangements for minor children.
Kids First Notice / Information Sheet (1F-P-787 — Oahu; 3C-P-231 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-407/345 — Maui)
This is the notice and information sheet for Hawaii's mandatory parenting education program. Parents with minor children are generally required to attend Kids First unless excused by the court.
Request to be Excused from Attending Kids First (1F-P-835 — Oahu; 2F-P-532 — Maui)
This form is used to request a waiver of the mandatory Kids First parenting class on good cause grounds.
Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Support (1F-P-1087/1098 — Oahu; 2F-P-339 — Maui)
This is an income withholding order directing an employer to deduct child support from wages.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Hawaii does not have a separate numbered form for a marital settlement or separation agreement. Instead, parties draft their own agreement or incorporate the agreed terms directly into the divorce decree. In uncontested cases, the following form supports that path:
Affidavit of Plaintiff (For Uncontested Divorce) (1F-P-333A/B — Oahu; 3F-P-263 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-105 — Maui)
This is the filing party's sworn statement supporting an uncontested divorce handled by the affidavit procedure.
Finalizing Your Case
Divorce Decree (Without Children) (1F-P-1056 — Oahu; 3F-P-268 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-241 — Maui)
This is the final court order that dissolves the marriage in cases without minor children.
Proposed Divorce Decree / Decree Granting Divorce and Awarding Child Custody (1F-P-746 — Oahu; 3F-P-260 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-067 — Maui)
This is the final court order that dissolves the marriage and establishes custody, support, and property division in cases with minor children.
Where to Get Hawaii Divorce Forms
Official State Courts Website
The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes its divorce forms on the self-help section of its website. You can find the circuit-specific forms at courts.state.hi.us. Because forms differ by circuit, look for the set that matches the island where the case is filed.
County Court / Circuit Court
Each circuit court can point you to the forms and the local filing requirements for that island. For Kauai (Fifth Circuit), you can contact the court at (808) 482-2330 or visit the courts' forms page for the current list.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
The Judiciary's self-help center offers general guidance for people handling their own cases. These resources explain procedures but do not provide advice about your individual circumstances.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through circuit-specific forms feels like a lot, an online service can simplify it. Divorce.com guides you through your information and helps prepare the paperwork commonly used for an uncontested divorce, so you are not left guessing which form number applies to your island.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or disputes involving children, working with a Hawaii family law attorney can help. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation in a way that informational resources cannot.
The Hawaii Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
To file in Hawaii, a party must be domiciled in Hawaii at the time of filing. (Act 69, passed in 2021, eliminated the prior requirement of six months of residency before filing.) The filing party must also have been domiciled or physically present in the specific circuit for at least three months before filing. Importantly, the court will not enter a final decree until the filing party has been continuously domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months. Note: the official Judiciary "Divorce Facts" page still references the older pre-2021 rule, so it is worth confirming the current requirement with the court or by checking HRS §580-1.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the Complaint for Divorce is filed with the appropriate circuit court. Filing this document also activates the automatic financial restraining orders described above.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The responding spouse is given notice of the case. In uncontested matters, that spouse may use the Appearance and Waiver form to waive formal service and enter an appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both parties typically complete financial disclosure forms, including the Income and Expense Statement and the Asset and Debt Statement, so the court has a full picture of finances and property.
5. Complete Required Programs and the Waiting Period
Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period between filing and the final decree. In practice, an uncontested divorce handled by affidavit often takes about six to ten weeks after the packet is submitted for judicial review; contested cases take considerably longer. Parents with minor children generally must complete the Kids First parenting program before a decree is entered.
6. Decree and Certified Copies
Once the court reviews everything, it enters the divorce decree, which is the final order ending the marriage. You can request certified copies of the decree for your records and for updating accounts and documents afterward.
Hawaii-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. A party must be domiciled in Hawaii at the time of filing and have been in the specific circuit for at least three months before filing, and the court will not finalize the divorce until the filing party has been continuously domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months.
Property division (equitable distribution). Hawaii is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly rather than automatically split 50/50. Under HRS §580-47, Hawaii courts have unusually broad authority and may divide all property, including pre-marital separate property. Hawaii is one of very few states where pre-marital assets can be subject to division.
Grounds. Hawaii recognizes four grounds for divorce under HRS §580-41: (1) irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (the most common); (2) separation under a court decree of separation from bed and board after the separation term expires; (3) separation for two or more years under a decree of separate maintenance; or (4) the parties having lived separate and apart continuously for two or more years with no reasonable likelihood of resuming cohabitation. Hawaii does not recognize fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment as independent grounds for divorce. Misconduct may be considered in financial orders under HRS §580-47, but not as a reason for granting the divorce itself.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory waiting period between filing and the final decree.
Two procedural paths. Hawaii offers an Uncontested Divorce by Affidavit (an administrative, non-hearing process used when parties agree on all terms) as well as a contested, trial-track path with hearings.
Other notes. Hawaii does not offer covenant marriage. The Complaint form triggers an automatic financial restraining order on both parties. Hawaii divorce law has seen legislative changes in recent years; it is wise to confirm current rules with the court or an attorney before filing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Circuit's Forms
Because Hawaii forms are circuit-specific, using an Oahu (1F-) form for a Maui (2F-) case can cause delays. Match the form numbers to the island where the case is filed.
Assuming Pre-Marital Property Is Automatically Off-Limits
Hawaii courts can divide pre-marital separate property. Treating those assets as automatically protected can lead to surprises.
Overlooking the Kids First Requirement
Parents with minor children generally must complete the Kids First program before a decree is entered. Missing this step can hold up finalization.
Relying on Outdated Residency Information
Because the official "Divorce Facts" page may still reference the pre-2021 rule, relying on it alone can create confusion about residency. Confirm the current requirement.
Incomplete Financial Disclosures
Leaving the Income and Expense Statement or Asset and Debt Statement incomplete can stall a case, since the court relies on these to address property and support.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Hawaii's circuit-specific forms and shifting rules can make do-it-yourself paperwork confusing. Divorce.com takes the guesswork out by walking you through your information step by step and preparing the documents commonly used for an uncontested Hawaii divorce. Here is what that looks like in practice:
Guided questions instead of blank forms, so you know what each answer is for
Paperwork matched to the right circuit, so you are not hunting for the correct form numbers
A simpler path for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms
Clear, plain-language explanations along the way
Support that saves time compared with assembling everything on your own
Which Hawaii Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you encounter depend on a few things: which circuit (island) your case is filed in, whether you and your spouse agree on the terms, and whether you have minor children. Because Hawaii does not publish one statewide packet, the form numbers below are listed by circuit. The First Circuit covers Oahu (form prefix 1F-), the Second Circuit covers Maui, Molokai, and Lanai (prefix 2F-), and the Third Circuit covers Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island (prefix 3F-). The Fifth Circuit covers Kauai (prefix 5F-); the primary Kauai uncontested-divorce packets are 5F-P-183 (without children) and 5F-P-184 (with children), and you can contact the Fifth Circuit at (808) 482-2330 for the complete current list. Below, related forms are grouped by what they accomplish.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce; Automatic Restraining Order; and Summons (1F-P-2039 — Oahu; 3F-P-266 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-559 — Maui)
This is the document that initiates the divorce action. Notably, this form also triggers automatic financial restraining orders against both parties, restricting the disposing of marital assets while the case is pending.
Matrimonial Action Information (1F-P-082 — Oahu; 3F-P-269 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-100 — Maui)
This form provides the court with statistical and identifying information about the parties and the marriage.
Responding to the Complaint
Answer to Complaint for Divorce (1F-P-1071 — Oahu; 3F-P-360 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-363 — Maui)
This is the responding spouse's formal written response to the divorce complaint.
Appearance and Waiver (1F-P-332 — Oahu; 3F-P-264 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-016 — Maui)
This form is used in uncontested cases, where the responding spouse waives formal service and enters an appearance with the court.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Income and Expense Statement (1F-P-081 — Oahu; 3F-P-270 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-035 — Maui)
This form discloses each party's income and monthly expenses to the court.
Asset and Debt Statement (1F-P-063 — Oahu; 3F-P-272 — Hawaii Island; 2C-E-167 — Maui)
This form discloses each party's assets and debts, which the court uses in dividing property.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Appendix A-1 to the 2024 Hawaii Child Support Guidelines)
This worksheet calculates the child support obligation using the state's income-shares formula and is used in cases involving minor children. Note that this is a guidelines worksheet rather than a standalone numbered court form.
Proposed Parenting Plan (1F-P-796 — Oahu; 3F-P-363 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-796 — Maui)
This form sets out the physical custody schedule, legal custody, and visitation arrangements for minor children.
Kids First Notice / Information Sheet (1F-P-787 — Oahu; 3C-P-231 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-407/345 — Maui)
This is the notice and information sheet for Hawaii's mandatory parenting education program. Parents with minor children are generally required to attend Kids First unless excused by the court.
Request to be Excused from Attending Kids First (1F-P-835 — Oahu; 2F-P-532 — Maui)
This form is used to request a waiver of the mandatory Kids First parenting class on good cause grounds.
Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Support (1F-P-1087/1098 — Oahu; 2F-P-339 — Maui)
This is an income withholding order directing an employer to deduct child support from wages.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Hawaii does not have a separate numbered form for a marital settlement or separation agreement. Instead, parties draft their own agreement or incorporate the agreed terms directly into the divorce decree. In uncontested cases, the following form supports that path:
Affidavit of Plaintiff (For Uncontested Divorce) (1F-P-333A/B — Oahu; 3F-P-263 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-105 — Maui)
This is the filing party's sworn statement supporting an uncontested divorce handled by the affidavit procedure.
Finalizing Your Case
Divorce Decree (Without Children) (1F-P-1056 — Oahu; 3F-P-268 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-241 — Maui)
This is the final court order that dissolves the marriage in cases without minor children.
Proposed Divorce Decree / Decree Granting Divorce and Awarding Child Custody (1F-P-746 — Oahu; 3F-P-260 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-067 — Maui)
This is the final court order that dissolves the marriage and establishes custody, support, and property division in cases with minor children.
Where to Get Hawaii Divorce Forms
Official State Courts Website
The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes its divorce forms on the self-help section of its website. You can find the circuit-specific forms at courts.state.hi.us. Because forms differ by circuit, look for the set that matches the island where the case is filed.
County Court / Circuit Court
Each circuit court can point you to the forms and the local filing requirements for that island. For Kauai (Fifth Circuit), you can contact the court at (808) 482-2330 or visit the courts' forms page for the current list.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
The Judiciary's self-help center offers general guidance for people handling their own cases. These resources explain procedures but do not provide advice about your individual circumstances.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through circuit-specific forms feels like a lot, an online service can simplify it. Divorce.com guides you through your information and helps prepare the paperwork commonly used for an uncontested divorce, so you are not left guessing which form number applies to your island.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or disputes involving children, working with a Hawaii family law attorney can help. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation in a way that informational resources cannot.
The Hawaii Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
To file in Hawaii, a party must be domiciled in Hawaii at the time of filing. (Act 69, passed in 2021, eliminated the prior requirement of six months of residency before filing.) The filing party must also have been domiciled or physically present in the specific circuit for at least three months before filing. Importantly, the court will not enter a final decree until the filing party has been continuously domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months. Note: the official Judiciary "Divorce Facts" page still references the older pre-2021 rule, so it is worth confirming the current requirement with the court or by checking HRS §580-1.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the Complaint for Divorce is filed with the appropriate circuit court. Filing this document also activates the automatic financial restraining orders described above.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The responding spouse is given notice of the case. In uncontested matters, that spouse may use the Appearance and Waiver form to waive formal service and enter an appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both parties typically complete financial disclosure forms, including the Income and Expense Statement and the Asset and Debt Statement, so the court has a full picture of finances and property.
5. Complete Required Programs and the Waiting Period
Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period between filing and the final decree. In practice, an uncontested divorce handled by affidavit often takes about six to ten weeks after the packet is submitted for judicial review; contested cases take considerably longer. Parents with minor children generally must complete the Kids First parenting program before a decree is entered.
6. Decree and Certified Copies
Once the court reviews everything, it enters the divorce decree, which is the final order ending the marriage. You can request certified copies of the decree for your records and for updating accounts and documents afterward.
Hawaii-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. A party must be domiciled in Hawaii at the time of filing and have been in the specific circuit for at least three months before filing, and the court will not finalize the divorce until the filing party has been continuously domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months.
Property division (equitable distribution). Hawaii is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly rather than automatically split 50/50. Under HRS §580-47, Hawaii courts have unusually broad authority and may divide all property, including pre-marital separate property. Hawaii is one of very few states where pre-marital assets can be subject to division.
Grounds. Hawaii recognizes four grounds for divorce under HRS §580-41: (1) irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (the most common); (2) separation under a court decree of separation from bed and board after the separation term expires; (3) separation for two or more years under a decree of separate maintenance; or (4) the parties having lived separate and apart continuously for two or more years with no reasonable likelihood of resuming cohabitation. Hawaii does not recognize fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment as independent grounds for divorce. Misconduct may be considered in financial orders under HRS §580-47, but not as a reason for granting the divorce itself.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory waiting period between filing and the final decree.
Two procedural paths. Hawaii offers an Uncontested Divorce by Affidavit (an administrative, non-hearing process used when parties agree on all terms) as well as a contested, trial-track path with hearings.
Other notes. Hawaii does not offer covenant marriage. The Complaint form triggers an automatic financial restraining order on both parties. Hawaii divorce law has seen legislative changes in recent years; it is wise to confirm current rules with the court or an attorney before filing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Circuit's Forms
Because Hawaii forms are circuit-specific, using an Oahu (1F-) form for a Maui (2F-) case can cause delays. Match the form numbers to the island where the case is filed.
Assuming Pre-Marital Property Is Automatically Off-Limits
Hawaii courts can divide pre-marital separate property. Treating those assets as automatically protected can lead to surprises.
Overlooking the Kids First Requirement
Parents with minor children generally must complete the Kids First program before a decree is entered. Missing this step can hold up finalization.
Relying on Outdated Residency Information
Because the official "Divorce Facts" page may still reference the pre-2021 rule, relying on it alone can create confusion about residency. Confirm the current requirement.
Incomplete Financial Disclosures
Leaving the Income and Expense Statement or Asset and Debt Statement incomplete can stall a case, since the court relies on these to address property and support.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Hawaii's circuit-specific forms and shifting rules can make do-it-yourself paperwork confusing. Divorce.com takes the guesswork out by walking you through your information step by step and preparing the documents commonly used for an uncontested Hawaii divorce. Here is what that looks like in practice:
Guided questions instead of blank forms, so you know what each answer is for
Paperwork matched to the right circuit, so you are not hunting for the correct form numbers
A simpler path for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms
Clear, plain-language explanations along the way
Support that saves time compared with assembling everything on your own
Which Hawaii Divorce Forms Will You Need?
The forms you encounter depend on a few things: which circuit (island) your case is filed in, whether you and your spouse agree on the terms, and whether you have minor children. Because Hawaii does not publish one statewide packet, the form numbers below are listed by circuit. The First Circuit covers Oahu (form prefix 1F-), the Second Circuit covers Maui, Molokai, and Lanai (prefix 2F-), and the Third Circuit covers Hawaii Island, also called the Big Island (prefix 3F-). The Fifth Circuit covers Kauai (prefix 5F-); the primary Kauai uncontested-divorce packets are 5F-P-183 (without children) and 5F-P-184 (with children), and you can contact the Fifth Circuit at (808) 482-2330 for the complete current list. Below, related forms are grouped by what they accomplish.
Starting the Case
Complaint for Divorce; Automatic Restraining Order; and Summons (1F-P-2039 — Oahu; 3F-P-266 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-559 — Maui)
This is the document that initiates the divorce action. Notably, this form also triggers automatic financial restraining orders against both parties, restricting the disposing of marital assets while the case is pending.
Matrimonial Action Information (1F-P-082 — Oahu; 3F-P-269 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-100 — Maui)
This form provides the court with statistical and identifying information about the parties and the marriage.
Responding to the Complaint
Answer to Complaint for Divorce (1F-P-1071 — Oahu; 3F-P-360 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-363 — Maui)
This is the responding spouse's formal written response to the divorce complaint.
Appearance and Waiver (1F-P-332 — Oahu; 3F-P-264 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-016 — Maui)
This form is used in uncontested cases, where the responding spouse waives formal service and enters an appearance with the court.
Financial and Disclosure Forms
Income and Expense Statement (1F-P-081 — Oahu; 3F-P-270 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-035 — Maui)
This form discloses each party's income and monthly expenses to the court.
Asset and Debt Statement (1F-P-063 — Oahu; 3F-P-272 — Hawaii Island; 2C-E-167 — Maui)
This form discloses each party's assets and debts, which the court uses in dividing property.
Forms for Divorces With Children
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (Appendix A-1 to the 2024 Hawaii Child Support Guidelines)
This worksheet calculates the child support obligation using the state's income-shares formula and is used in cases involving minor children. Note that this is a guidelines worksheet rather than a standalone numbered court form.
Proposed Parenting Plan (1F-P-796 — Oahu; 3F-P-363 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-796 — Maui)
This form sets out the physical custody schedule, legal custody, and visitation arrangements for minor children.
Kids First Notice / Information Sheet (1F-P-787 — Oahu; 3C-P-231 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-407/345 — Maui)
This is the notice and information sheet for Hawaii's mandatory parenting education program. Parents with minor children are generally required to attend Kids First unless excused by the court.
Request to be Excused from Attending Kids First (1F-P-835 — Oahu; 2F-P-532 — Maui)
This form is used to request a waiver of the mandatory Kids First parenting class on good cause grounds.
Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Support (1F-P-1087/1098 — Oahu; 2F-P-339 — Maui)
This is an income withholding order directing an employer to deduct child support from wages.
Settlement or Separation Agreement
Hawaii does not have a separate numbered form for a marital settlement or separation agreement. Instead, parties draft their own agreement or incorporate the agreed terms directly into the divorce decree. In uncontested cases, the following form supports that path:
Affidavit of Plaintiff (For Uncontested Divorce) (1F-P-333A/B — Oahu; 3F-P-263 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-105 — Maui)
This is the filing party's sworn statement supporting an uncontested divorce handled by the affidavit procedure.
Finalizing Your Case
Divorce Decree (Without Children) (1F-P-1056 — Oahu; 3F-P-268 — Hawaii Island; 2F-P-241 — Maui)
This is the final court order that dissolves the marriage in cases without minor children.
Proposed Divorce Decree / Decree Granting Divorce and Awarding Child Custody (1F-P-746 — Oahu; 3F-P-260 — Hawaii Island; 2F-E-067 — Maui)
This is the final court order that dissolves the marriage and establishes custody, support, and property division in cases with minor children.
Where to Get Hawaii Divorce Forms
Official State Courts Website
The Hawaii State Judiciary publishes its divorce forms on the self-help section of its website. You can find the circuit-specific forms at courts.state.hi.us. Because forms differ by circuit, look for the set that matches the island where the case is filed.
County Court / Circuit Court
Each circuit court can point you to the forms and the local filing requirements for that island. For Kauai (Fifth Circuit), you can contact the court at (808) 482-2330 or visit the courts' forms page for the current list.
Legal Aid and Self-Help Resources
The Judiciary's self-help center offers general guidance for people handling their own cases. These resources explain procedures but do not provide advice about your individual circumstances.
Online Divorce Services (Divorce.com)
If sorting through circuit-specific forms feels like a lot, an online service can simplify it. Divorce.com guides you through your information and helps prepare the paperwork commonly used for an uncontested divorce, so you are not left guessing which form number applies to your island.
Hire an Attorney
For contested cases, complex finances, or disputes involving children, working with a Hawaii family law attorney can help. An attorney can advise you on your specific situation in a way that informational resources cannot.
The Hawaii Divorce Process
1. Confirm Residency
To file in Hawaii, a party must be domiciled in Hawaii at the time of filing. (Act 69, passed in 2021, eliminated the prior requirement of six months of residency before filing.) The filing party must also have been domiciled or physically present in the specific circuit for at least three months before filing. Importantly, the court will not enter a final decree until the filing party has been continuously domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months. Note: the official Judiciary "Divorce Facts" page still references the older pre-2021 rule, so it is worth confirming the current requirement with the court or by checking HRS §580-1.
2. File the Complaint
The case begins when the Complaint for Divorce is filed with the appropriate circuit court. Filing this document also activates the automatic financial restraining orders described above.
3. Serve the Other Spouse
The responding spouse is given notice of the case. In uncontested matters, that spouse may use the Appearance and Waiver form to waive formal service and enter an appearance.
4. Exchange Financial Disclosures
Both parties typically complete financial disclosure forms, including the Income and Expense Statement and the Asset and Debt Statement, so the court has a full picture of finances and property.
5. Complete Required Programs and the Waiting Period
Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period between filing and the final decree. In practice, an uncontested divorce handled by affidavit often takes about six to ten weeks after the packet is submitted for judicial review; contested cases take considerably longer. Parents with minor children generally must complete the Kids First parenting program before a decree is entered.
6. Decree and Certified Copies
Once the court reviews everything, it enters the divorce decree, which is the final order ending the marriage. You can request certified copies of the decree for your records and for updating accounts and documents afterward.
Hawaii-Specific Requirements You Should Know
Residency. A party must be domiciled in Hawaii at the time of filing and have been in the specific circuit for at least three months before filing, and the court will not finalize the divorce until the filing party has been continuously domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months.
Property division (equitable distribution). Hawaii is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly rather than automatically split 50/50. Under HRS §580-47, Hawaii courts have unusually broad authority and may divide all property, including pre-marital separate property. Hawaii is one of very few states where pre-marital assets can be subject to division.
Grounds. Hawaii recognizes four grounds for divorce under HRS §580-41: (1) irretrievable breakdown of the marriage (the most common); (2) separation under a court decree of separation from bed and board after the separation term expires; (3) separation for two or more years under a decree of separate maintenance; or (4) the parties having lived separate and apart continuously for two or more years with no reasonable likelihood of resuming cohabitation. Hawaii does not recognize fault grounds such as adultery, cruelty, or abandonment as independent grounds for divorce. Misconduct may be considered in financial orders under HRS §580-47, but not as a reason for granting the divorce itself.
Waiting period. There is no mandatory waiting period between filing and the final decree.
Two procedural paths. Hawaii offers an Uncontested Divorce by Affidavit (an administrative, non-hearing process used when parties agree on all terms) as well as a contested, trial-track path with hearings.
Other notes. Hawaii does not offer covenant marriage. The Complaint form triggers an automatic financial restraining order on both parties. Hawaii divorce law has seen legislative changes in recent years; it is wise to confirm current rules with the court or an attorney before filing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using the Wrong Circuit's Forms
Because Hawaii forms are circuit-specific, using an Oahu (1F-) form for a Maui (2F-) case can cause delays. Match the form numbers to the island where the case is filed.
Assuming Pre-Marital Property Is Automatically Off-Limits
Hawaii courts can divide pre-marital separate property. Treating those assets as automatically protected can lead to surprises.
Overlooking the Kids First Requirement
Parents with minor children generally must complete the Kids First program before a decree is entered. Missing this step can hold up finalization.
Relying on Outdated Residency Information
Because the official "Divorce Facts" page may still reference the pre-2021 rule, relying on it alone can create confusion about residency. Confirm the current requirement.
Incomplete Financial Disclosures
Leaving the Income and Expense Statement or Asset and Debt Statement incomplete can stall a case, since the court relies on these to address property and support.
How Divorce.com Can Help
Hawaii's circuit-specific forms and shifting rules can make do-it-yourself paperwork confusing. Divorce.com takes the guesswork out by walking you through your information step by step and preparing the documents commonly used for an uncontested Hawaii divorce. Here is what that looks like in practice:
Guided questions instead of blank forms, so you know what each answer is for
Paperwork matched to the right circuit, so you are not hunting for the correct form numbers
A simpler path for uncontested cases where you and your spouse agree on the terms
Clear, plain-language explanations along the way
Support that saves time compared with assembling everything on your own
Filing for divorce in Hawaii can feel overwhelming, especially when you are trying to figure out which paperwork applies to your situation. The good news: once you understand how the forms fit together, the process becomes a lot less intimidating. This guide walks you through the Hawaii divorce papers commonly used in the islands, what each one does, and where to find them.
One thing that makes Hawaii different from most states is that there is no single statewide set of divorce forms. Instead, forms are circuit-specific, meaning the exact form numbers depend on which island your case is filed in. We will explain how that works so you know what to look for.
This page is purely informational. It describes what the forms are used for and how the process generally works, not what you personally should file or do. Everyone's circumstances are different, and for advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
The Bottom Line
Hawaii does things a little differently. There is no single statewide divorce packet; forms are circuit-specific across the islands, with separate sets for Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, and Kauai. Hawaii is also an equitable distribution state with broad property-division authority, a mandatory Kids First program for parents, and no required waiting period before a decree. Whether you are in Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, Lihue, or anywhere across the islands, the key is matching the right forms to your circuit.
You can find and download the official forms directly from the Hawaii State Judiciary at courts.state.hi.us. If you would rather be guided through the paperwork for an uncontested case, Divorce.com can help you prepare what you need.
This guide is informational and is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult an attorney.
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