Honolulu Divorce Laws: What You Need to Know

How Honolulu divorce laws affect you

When approaching the end of your marriage, it is crucial to understand certain basic facts regarding divorce laws in Honolulu.  With over 20 years of experience in this practice area, Sheila Vierra, Attorney At Law, would like to offer the following information that may help the process go more smoothly for you.

Some important considerations about divorce law in Honolulu

Described below are some important considerations to keep in mind about Honolulu divorce laws:

• Residency requirements: Before filing for divorce, at least one spouse must be a state resident for six months.  This includes individuals serving in the armed forces who may be stationed on a base in the state.

• Grounds for filing: The divorce petition must seek to end the marriage on one of the following grounds:

• The marriage is irretrievably broken
• The couple has legally separated, the legal separation is expired, and the couple has not reconciled
• The couple has legally separated, and lived apart for two or more years under a decree of separate maintenance, and has not reconciled
• The couple has lived separately for two or more years before one partner filed for divorce, and there is not reasonable expectation of a reconciliation

• Property division: Honolulu divorce law follows Hawaii statues as an equitable distribution state.  This means that property is divided according to what the court determines is fair.  The law encourages couples to divide their own assets.  However, if no resolution can be reached, the court ultimately decides the outcome of property distribution.

• Child custody: Custody is not automatically awarded to either parent.  If both parents cannot come to a suitable custody arrangement, the court determines one based on the best interests of the children.

Only a qualified attorney knows divorce law in Honolulu well enough to successfully represent your case.  Discuss your concerns with Sheila Vierra, Attorney At Law, in order to gain a complete understanding of how federal and local statutes and regulations can affect the outcome of your divorce.

Contact our divorce lawyers in Honolulu

Whether you need legal representation in matters of family law, estate planning, or retirement planning, we have the skills and experience to help.  Contact Sheila Vierra, Attorney At Law, at (808) 538-0520.