Honolulu Family Law Blog
Bridging islands to keep child custody intact
You’ve found a great opportunity, and the relocation really is in the best interest of you and your child. Unfortunately, you may have to make it past your custody agreement if you want to make any moves. The courts of Hawaii always look to maintain what’s in the best...
Dividing credit card debt in your divorce
From properly identifying non-marital assets to reaching compromises including retirement accounts and stocks, the financial component of most divorces has become complex in recent years. While divorcing couples have become savvier at finding an equitable split of...
Tips for detecting hidden assets in a divorce
During a divorce, some spouses in Hawaii might wonder if a partner is trying to hide assets. This could be because of suspicious activity connected to their finances. Money vanishing from a joint account without explanation or missing account statements could be the...
Checking paternity: Using a DNA test
If there is any question of your child's parentage, it's a good idea to look into seeking a DNA test to prove paternity. For single fathers who want to have proof, a DNA test cannot be beat, because it shows an undeniable genetic connection between the parent and...
DNA paternity tests
In Hawaii and across the United States, DNA paternity tests are now commonly used in courtrooms to determine if a man must provide child support. Sometimes, DNA can determine whether a parent should have custody of a child. DNA test results will inform the court about...
Voluntary impoverishment and child support payments
In Hawaii and across the United States, ex-spouses often practice "voluntary impoverishment." A former spouse who does not want to make child support payments uses the tactic as a way to manipulate the law. A person practicing voluntary impoverishment may lie to the...
Protecting children emotionally during a divorce
Children in Hawaii may suffer when their parents go through a divorce. It is well-known that kids can feel alone and insecure when their parents separate. They may fear being abandoned themselves or torn between their loyalties to both of their parents. For some...
Mediation has many benefits over litigation
When faced with the divorce process, it's easy to assume you'll square off against your soon-to-be ex-spouse in a courtroom setting. While your case may eventually move to litigation, it doesn't have to. Many divorcing couples find that mediation is a better way to...
Prenups better than separate accounts for protecting assets
The simplest, best way for couples to ensure their assets are protected in Hawaii may be a prenuptial agreement. Millennials are agreeing to prenups more frequently than before, as is the population overall. Keeping assets separate has become easier and millennials...
Child support payments show significant variation by state
A study by Custody X Change found that a typical child support payment in Hawaii was among the highest of all states, ranging from $881 to $1,187 monthly. However, if the parent moved to another state, such as Oregon, the payments might decrease significantly to...
