Hawaii Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/hawaii/
Prepared: 5/21/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
6-10 weeks for uncontested divorces without children, 8-14 weeks for uncontested divorces with minor children (includes Kids First program completion), and 6-18 months for contested divorces involving discovery, mediation, and trial in Hawaii. Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period between filing and finalization under HRS Chapter 580.
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Birth Certificates for Minor Children
- Hawaii Driver's License or State ID
- Social Security Cards
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 Years of Federal and State Tax Returns
- Current Pay Stubs (Last 3 Months)
- Bank Statements for All Accounts (Last 6 Months)
- Retirement and Investment Account Statements
- Real Property Documentation
- Vehicle Titles and Loan Statements
- Credit Card and Loan Statements
- Life Insurance and Health Insurance Policies
- Business Financial Records(if applicable)
- Self-Employment Income Documentation(if applicable)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Domicile Requirements
- Understand No-Fault Grounds for Divorce
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Consider Domestic Violence Safety Planning
- Determine Whether Your Divorce Is Contested or Uncontested
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Complaint for Divorce and Required Filing Forms
- Prepare Financial Disclosure Statements
- File the Complaint and Pay the Filing Fee
- Enroll in the Kids First Parent Education Program (If Minor Children)
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Divorce Papers
- Wait for Your Spouse's Response
- Participate in Mediation or Settlement Negotiations (If Contested)
- Complete Discovery and Financial Disclosure Exchange
- Submit the Divorce Decree for Judicial Approval
- Update Legal Records and Implement the Decree
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Hawaii, you must be domiciled in the state at the time of filing — there is no minimum residency period under HRS §580-1 as amended by Act 69 of 2021. File a Complaint for Divorce (Form 1F-P-2039 on Oahu) with the Family Court in your circuit, paying $265 with minor children or $215 without. Hawaii is a no-fault state requiring only proof of irretrievable breakdown under HRS §580-41. Upon filing, an automatic restraining order under HRS §580-10.5 prohibits both parties from transferring property or changing insurance beneficiaries. Your spouse has 20 days after personal service to file an Answer. Both parties must complete Income and Expense Statements (Form 1F-P-081) and Asset and Debt Statements (Form 1F-P-063). If minor children are involved, both parents must attend the Kids First program under HRS §571-46.2 before the decree is entered. Hawaii has no mandatory waiting period — uncontested divorces finalize in 6-10 weeks. Fee waivers are available via Form 2F-P-331 for those who qualify. For free legal help, contact the Legal Aid Society of Hawaii at 808-536-4302.