Filing for divorce in Hawaii without an attorney costs $215-$265 in court fees. You must meet the residency requirement of 6 months in Hawaii (3 months for certain military). Hawaii is a equitable distribution state with a None after filing (but must establish jurisdiction) waiting period. An uncontested divorce typically takes 2-4 months. Victoria AI guides you through every step with Hawaii-specific instructions.
Last updated: February 1, 2026 • Reviewed by Divorce.law Legal Team
| Filing Fee | $215-$265 (First Circuit (Honolulu): $265. Other circuits: approximately $215-$250. Hawaii has a unified court system.) |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months in Hawaii (3 months for certain military) |
| Waiting Period | None after filing (but must establish jurisdiction) |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution (fair, not equal) |
| Grounds for Divorce | Irretrievable breakdown (no-fault), Living separate and apart for 2+ years, Separation under court decree for 2+ years |
| No-Fault Only? | Yes |
| Uncontested Timeline | 2-4 months |
| Contested Timeline | 6 months to 2+ years |
| Fee Waiver Available? | Yes |
To file for divorce in Hawaii, you must meet the following residency requirement: 6 months in Hawaii (3 months for certain military).
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Hawaii for 6 months before filing. For military members stationed in Hawaii, 3 months of physical presence may satisfy residency.
Tip: Victoria AI can help you determine if you meet Hawaii's residency requirements and guide you through the documentation needed to prove residency.
Follow these steps to file for divorce in Hawaii without an attorney. Victoria AI guides you through each step with state-specific instructions.
At least one spouse must have been a resident of Hawaii for 6 months before filing. For military members stationed in Hawaii, 3 months of physical presence may satisfy residency.
Download the official Hawaii divorce forms: Complaint for Divorce, Summons, Income and Expense Statement. All forms are available from the Hawaii courts website.
Fill out the divorce petition (1F-P-768) with your information, grounds for divorce, and what you're requesting (property division, custody, support).
File your completed petition with the Hawaii court and pay the filing fee of $215-$265. Fee waivers are available if you qualify financially.
Properly serve your spouse with the divorce papers according to Hawaii rules. Options typically include sheriff service, process server, or certified mail with acknowledgment.
Exchange mandatory financial disclosure documents as required by Hawaii law. This typically includes income verification, tax returns, bank statements, and a sworn financial affidavit.
Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period after filing. Once jurisdiction is established and paperwork is complete, the divorce can be finalized relatively quickly.
Submit your final judgment to the court. For uncontested divorces in Hawaii, this typically takes 2-4 months. The court will issue your final divorce decree.
These are the primary forms you'll need to file for divorce in Hawaii. Victoria AI guides you through completing each form correctly.
Initiates the divorce
Notifies spouse
Financial disclosure
Property disclosure
The filing fee to start a divorce in Hawaii is $215-$265. First Circuit (Honolulu): $265. Other circuits: approximately $215-$250. Hawaii has a unified court system.
| Cost Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $215-$265 |
| Service of Process | $50-$100 (varies by method) |
| Certified Copies | $5-$25 per copy |
| Total DIY Uncontested | $350-$1,500 (uncontested DIY) |
If you cannot afford the filing fee, Hawaii offers fee waivers for qualifying individuals. You'll need to complete a fee waiver application demonstrating financial hardship. This typically requires showing income below a certain threshold (often 125-200% of federal poverty guidelines) or receiving public assistance benefits.
Victoria can help: Our AI guides you through the fee waiver application process and helps you gather the required documentation.
After filing your divorce petition in Hawaii, you must legally "serve" your spouse with the divorce papers. This ensures they receive official notice of the divorce and have an opportunity to respond.
A sheriff, constable, or private process server personally delivers the papers to your spouse. Most reliable method.
Papers sent via certified mail with return receipt requested. Your spouse must sign to acknowledge receipt.
Your spouse voluntarily signs an acknowledgment that they received the papers. Fastest and cheapest option if cooperative.
If your spouse cannot be located, you may be able to publish notice in a newspaper. Requires court approval.
You must file proof of service with the court showing your spouse was properly served. Without valid proof of service, your divorce cannot proceed. Hawaii courts are strict about service requirements.
Hawaii is a equitable distribution state.
Hawaii divides marital property through equitable distribution. The court considers the respective merits of the parties, relative abilities, condition in which each will be left, and all other circumstances of the case.
Victoria's Financial Tools: Our AI-powered financial tools help you identify, categorize, and value marital assets. Victoria can help you understand how Hawaii law applies to your specific property.
Hawaii uses the Income shares model per Hawaii Child Support Guidelines.
Hawaii uses income shares guidelines. Both parents' gross incomes are used to determine the total support obligation, then allocated based on each parent's percentage of combined income and custodial time.
Understanding the timeline helps you plan and set realistic expectations for your Hawaii divorce.
When both spouses agree on all terms including property division, custody, and support. This is the fastest and least expensive option.
When spouses cannot agree and need court intervention to resolve disputes. Involves hearings, discovery, and potentially trial.
File Petition
Day 1 - Submit your divorce paperwork and pay the $215-$265 filing fee
Serve Your Spouse
Within 30 days - Ensure proper legal service of divorce papers
Response Period
20-30 days - Your spouse has time to file a response
Waiting Period
None after filing (but must establish jurisdiction) - Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period after filing. Once jurisdiction is established and paperwork is complete, the divorce can be finalized relatively quickly.
Final Judgment
Court issues your final divorce decree
Speed up your divorce: Victoria AI helps you complete forms correctly the first time, avoiding delays from rejected paperwork. Our checklists ensure you don't miss any steps or deadlines.
No-fault only state
No mandatory waiting period
Property includes ceded lands issues unique to Hawaii
Military-friendly with shorter physical presence requirements
Strong mediation emphasis
Common questions about filing for divorce in Hawaii without an attorney.
Get 24/7 guidance specific to Hawaii's forms, procedures, and requirements.
Hawaii-specific forms
Guidance through every required form
Financial disclosure wizard
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Child support calculator
Using Hawaii's exact guidelines
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Victoria provides legal information, not legal advice. For advice specific to your case, consult an attorney.
All Hawaii divorce information verified from official state court sources.
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