Hawaii Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources: Walk In Prepared
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Custody in Hawaii is decided in the Family Court. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.
The wording differs from state to state, so read the official Hawaii documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.
Official Hawaii custody resources
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Hawaii family law forms (official index) (Hawaii judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Hawaii family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help/courts/forms
Hawaii court self-help resources (Hawaii courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Hawaii family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help
Hawaii mediation and dispute resolution (Hawaii judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a Hawaii family case without a trial. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/services/alternative_dispute/alternative_dispute_resolution
JEFS (Judiciary Electronic Filing and Service System) (Hawaii State Judiciary): Family Court civil cases like divorce and custody have been e-filable in JEFS since 2022. A self-represented person with an active case can apply for a JEFS account and file online. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/legal_references/efiling
Hawaii rules of procedure (Hawaii judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Hawaii. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/legal_references/rules
Verified official Hawaii custody documents
These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.
Declaration of Private Child Custody Evaluator Regarding Qualifications, Contact Information, and Fees (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1FP2002.pdf
Exhibit Pertaining to Conciliation, Child Care, and Child Custody Proceedings (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/hawaii/3CP072.pdf
Information Regarding Registry of Child Custody Evaluators (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/docs/form/oahu/child_custody/1FP3018.pdf
Instructions Regarding Notice of Intent to File a Complaint Against a Private Child Custody Evaluator (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1FP2001.pdf
KMH 19GOrderDismissRelFromDOHCustodyPM May2024 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/KMH-19GOrderDismissRelFromDOHCustodyPM-May2024.pdf
KMH-19DOrderDismissRelFromDOHCustodyMISD120DAY-rev-May2024 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/KMH-19DOrderDismissRelFromDOHCustodyMISD120DAY-rev-May2024.pdf
Notice of Intent to File a Complaint Against a Private Child Custody Evaluator (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/1FP2000.pdf
Order Appointing Custody Evaluator (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2CE234-1.pdf
Order Continuing Hearing on the Petition for Assisted Community Treatment for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ACT_ORDER-CONTG-HRG-FOR-APPT-OF-GAL.pdf
Order Regarding Authority of Custody Evaluator (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/2CE235.pdf
RPT-FY25 Number of Complaints Against Court-Appointed Child Custody Evaluators (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/RPT-FY25-Number-of-Complaints-Against-Court-Appointed-Child-Custody-Evaluators-FINAL.pdf
Official link data for Hawaii was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in Hawaii?
Family cases in Hawaii are heard in the Family Court. Hawaii runs a dedicated Family Court inside each judicial circuit. Hawaii has four judicial circuits across its islands, each with a Family Court.
Does Hawaii favor one parent over the other?
Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official Hawaii forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.
Do we have to go to mediation first?
Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official Hawaii mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.
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