The plaintiff files the Complaint for Divorce in the appropriate family court (in one of four districts of the Hawaii archipelago) and the defendant answers with an Appearance and Waiver form. If the spouses agree on all the terms and conditions of the divorce, their uncontested divorce moves through the court smoothly. The divorcing partners do not have to appear in court when the judge approves the divorce paperwork. The Hawaii divorce court staff informs the parties whether the judge has approved the forms or if corrections are needed. If the judge denies the divorce for some reason, the parties receive instructions about further steps to be taken.

The petitioner submits self-addressed, stamped envelopes, one for each spouse. When the judge signs the final divorce decree, the court mails that decree to each spouse, generally in about 4-6 weeks. Rather than attending a hearing to received the signed Decree of Divorce, the mail procedure streamlines the process when both parties agree to the divorce. The parties are legally divorced only after the judge has issued a sign final Decree of Divorce.

A contested divorce becomes more complicated, with hearings and motions.The parties can track the status of their case online at www.courts.state.hi.us. Learn more about attending a Hawaii divorce hearing.

Other Helpful Information for Doing Your Own Divorce in Hawaii

• Hawaii Divorce Laws
• Hawaii Divorce Basics
• Considering a Hawaii Divorce
• The Residency Requirements to File for Divorce in Hawaii
• Hawaii Divorce Court Information
• Hawaii Divorce Documents