Divorcing parents have various reasons for wanting to include a “right of first refusal” (ROFR) clause in their custody agreement. Sometimes the custody division is uneven, and the parent with less time wants every opportunity to be with their children. Maybe one...
Child Custody And Relocation
Why is co-parenting difficult?
Have you ever met one of those divorced couples who seem to maintain a perfect relationship after their marriage ends? They sit applauding side by side at their child’s school play and even go out to dinner as a foursome with their new partners. For most couples, the...
Moving islands after your divorce? Relocation can be harder than you think
If there is one thing that is amazing about Hawaii, it’s that there are many beautiful places to live. Whether you live on Oahu or Maui, you can have a beautiful home and be surrounded by activities, tourism and more. When you and your spouse decided to divorce, you...
Who may testify in a child custody case?
Because child custody is a hot button topic in many divorces, you may wonder what your case will be like when you go before the court. In particular, you may wonder if the court will involve other people who will tell the court about your abilities as a parent. In...
How does the court choose a primary caregiver?
When children are involved in a divorce case, it is only a matter of time before you are in court for child custody. Child custody can be a complex and emotional issue. Of course, the ideal situation would be both parents caring for the child. However, in most cases,...
What are valid reasons to alter child custody?
Divorcing parents in Hawaii often deal with custody matters first. The court decides what a custody arrangement looks like. They base it on the facts presented at the time of the divorce. But the court also understands that life circumstances do not stay the same...
Keeping up with your kids may require modifying maintenance
Your children are the light of your lives, but it can be expensive to keep the brightness so high. Americans spend hundreds of thousands of dollars bringing their children to adulthood, and their other parent should continue their fair share of that financial...
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...
Child custody determinations are becoming more balanced
Whatever is determined to be in the "best interests of the child" has long been an overriding guiding principle in determining child custody arrangements in Hawaii and throughout the country. Absent special circumstances, such as domestic violence or drug abuse,...
Creating a parenting schedule during divorce
Hawaii parents who are facing divorce may need to make a parenting schedule that outlines when the child will spend time with each of them. They should not think of this as a document that involves winning or losing and should not try to use it to undermine one...
