Honolulu County Divorce Records
What Are Honolulu County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Honolulu County are official documents that provide legal evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained by the Hawaii State Judiciary and the Hawaii Department of Health, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §572-1 through §580-56.
Divorce records typically consist of several document types:
- Divorce Decrees - The final judgment that legally terminates a marriage
- Divorce Certificates - Administrative documents verifying a divorce occurred
- Court Filings - Petitions, motions, and other documents submitted during divorce proceedings
- Settlement Agreements - Documents detailing division of assets, child custody arrangements, and support obligations
The Family Court of the First Circuit, located in Honolulu, processes divorce cases for Oahu residents and maintains the associated records. The Department of Health's Office of Vital Records maintains certificates of divorce for statistical and verification purposes.
Hawaii State Judiciary - Family Court of the First Circuit
Kapolei Judiciary Complex
4675 Kapolei Parkway
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 954-8000
Hawaii State Judiciary
Hawaii Department of Health - Office of Vital Records
1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 103
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-4533
Hawaii Department of Health Vital Records
Are Honolulu County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records in Honolulu County are generally considered public records in accordance with Hawaii's Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 92F. This statute establishes the public's right to access government records, including court records related to divorce proceedings.
The public status of divorce records means:
- Any member of the public may request access to divorce records
- Records can be searched by case number, names of parties, or date of filing
- Court files may be viewed at the courthouse where the case was heard
- Certified copies may be obtained for official purposes
However, certain limitations exist regarding public access:
- Financial affidavits and other sensitive financial documents may be sealed
- Records involving minors often have restricted access
- Cases involving domestic violence may have protective orders limiting disclosure
- The court may seal portions of records upon motion by either party
Pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rules Rule 7.2, certain documents in family court cases are automatically kept confidential, including:
- Income and expense statements
- Asset and debt statements
- Child support guidelines worksheets
- Settlement conference statements
- Paternity test results
Individuals seeking access to court records in Hawaii must follow established procedures and may be required to show identification when requesting documents in person.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Honolulu County in 2025
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Honolulu County in 2025 may utilize several official channels to locate these documents. The appropriate method depends on when the divorce occurred and what specific information is needed.
For divorces granted after 1951:
-
Visit the Family Court of the First Circuit at the Kapolei Judiciary Complex
- Legal Records Branch, 2nd Floor
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays
- Bring photo identification and case information if available
-
Submit a written request to the Family Court Records Office:
- Include full names of both parties
- Provide approximate date of divorce
- Specify documents needed (decree, certificate, etc.)
- Include a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Enclose appropriate fees
-
Contact the Hawaii Department of Health for divorce certificates:
- Complete the vital records application form
- Provide proof of identity
- Submit required fees ($10 for first copy, $4 for each additional copy)
For divorces granted before 1951:
- Contact the Hawaii State Archives State Archives Building Iolani Palace Grounds 364 S. King Street Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 586-0329
Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees:
- Court record copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies of divorce decrees: $5.00 per document
- Exemplified copies (for use in another state): $7.00 per document
Pursuant to Hawaii Court Rules, requestors must complete a Records Request Form when seeking court documents.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Honolulu County Online?
The Hawaii State Judiciary provides limited online access to divorce records through its electronic systems. While comprehensive divorce case files are not available online, basic case information can be accessed through digital platforms.
The primary online resources for divorce record searches include:
-
eCourt Kokua - The Judiciary's online case information system
- Provides basic case information including parties, attorneys, hearings, and motions
- Available at: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/legal_references/records/jims_system_availability
- Requires registration for full access
- Search by name, case number, or attorney
-
Hawaii State Judiciary Records Request Portal
- Allows submission of electronic requests for court records
- Provides status updates on pending requests
- Facilitates payment of fees online
-
Department of Health Vital Records Online Ordering
- Provides electronic ordering of divorce certificates
- Requires identity verification
- Accepts major credit cards for payment
Important limitations of online access include:
- Full divorce decrees and filings are not viewable online
- Confidential documents remain restricted
- Records prior to 2000 may have limited online information
- Certified copies cannot be delivered electronically
Pursuant to Hawaii Court Administrative Rules, electronic access to family court records is more restricted than other court records to protect privacy interests of the parties involved.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Honolulu County?
Members of the public may access divorce records in Honolulu County without payment in limited circumstances. While obtaining copies typically involves fees, viewing records at no cost is possible through several methods.
Free access options include:
-
In-person inspection at the Family Court Records Office
- Available during regular business hours (8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday)
- Requires photo identification
- No fee for viewing records, only for copies
- Located at Kapolei Judiciary Complex, 2nd Floor
-
Public access terminals at courthouse locations
- Available at First Circuit Court locations
- Provides basic case information
- No printing capabilities without payment
-
Law libraries with public access
- Supreme Court Law Library 417 S. King Street, Room 115 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 539-4964
- University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law Library 2525 Dole Street Honolulu, HI 96822 (808) 956-7583
Individuals seeking free access should note:
- Staff assistance may be limited due to workload
- Wait times for in-person inspection may occur
- Records must be viewed on-site and cannot be removed
- Photography of records may be prohibited
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §92-21, while inspection is free, reproduction costs are established by law and cannot be waived except in specific circumstances determined by the court.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Honolulu County
Divorce records in Honolulu County contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. These records are maintained pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rules and Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 580.
A complete divorce file typically contains:
- Complaint for Divorce - The initial filing that states grounds for divorce
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Proof of Service - Documentation showing the respondent received the complaint
- Answer and Counterclaim - Respondent's reply to the complaint
- Financial Disclosure Statements - Detailed information about assets and liabilities
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet - Calculations for child support obligations
- Marital Settlement Agreement - Terms agreed upon by both parties
- Divorce Decree - Final judgment dissolving the marriage and establishing terms
Additional documents may include:
- Temporary Orders - Court directives during the pendency of the case
- Motions and Responses - Requests for court action during proceedings
- Parenting Plans - Detailed arrangements for child custody and visitation
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) - Instructions for dividing retirement accounts
- Name Change Orders - Official documentation of name restoration or change
The divorce certificate issued by the Department of Health contains more limited information:
- Names of both parties
- Date and place of divorce
- Case number
- Court that granted the divorce
Certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed in publicly accessible versions of these records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's identifying information.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Honolulu County?
Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Honolulu County may obtain official documentation through established government channels. The type of proof needed often depends on the purpose for which it will be used.
For official proof of divorce, requestors may obtain:
-
Certified Copy of Divorce Decree
- Available from the Family Court Records Office
- Contains judge's signature and court seal
- Accepted for most legal purposes
- Request in person or by mail using the court records request form
- Fee: $5.00 per certification
-
Certificate of Divorce
- Issued by the Hawaii Department of Health
- Contains basic information about the divorce
- Suitable for name change verification, remarriage, etc.
- Request online through the vital records portal
- Fee: $10.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy
-
Exemplified Copy (for use in another state)
- Contains additional certification for use outside Hawaii
- Includes signatures of the judge and clerk, plus court seal
- Required for certain interstate legal matters
- Fee: $7.00 per document
Required information for requests includes:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden name if applicable)
- Date of divorce (approximate if exact date unknown)
- Case number (if known)
- Purpose for which the document will be used
- Requestor's contact information and identification
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §338-18, proof of identity is required when requesting vital records, including divorce certificates. Acceptable identification includes government-issued photo ID, passport, or military ID.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Honolulu County?
While divorce proceedings in Honolulu County are generally matters of public record, Hawaii law provides mechanisms for maintaining confidentiality in certain circumstances. The Family Court of the First Circuit follows specific protocols regarding privacy in divorce cases.
Circumstances where confidentiality may be granted include:
- Cases involving domestic violence or abuse
- Matters affecting the welfare of minor children
- Situations involving sensitive financial information
- Cases where public disclosure would cause undue harm
Legal mechanisms for confidentiality include:
-
Motion to Seal Records
- Filed with the court pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rules Rule 7.2
- Requires demonstration of good cause
- Judge determines whether sealing is warranted
- May apply to entire case or specific documents
-
Automatic Confidentiality Protections
- Financial affidavits are automatically confidential
- Child custody evaluations remain private
- Mediation communications are privileged
- Guardian ad litem reports are protected
-
Use of Initials or Pseudonyms
- In sensitive cases, parties may be identified by initials
- Requires court approval
- Limited to exceptional circumstances
Parties seeking confidentiality should:
- Consult with an attorney regarding available options
- File appropriate motions early in proceedings
- Be specific about which documents require protection
- Demonstrate legitimate reasons for confidentiality
The court balances privacy interests against the public's right to access court records pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §92F-13, which outlines exceptions to disclosure requirements under the Uniform Information Practices Act.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Honolulu County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Honolulu County varies based on case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. The Family Court of the First Circuit processes divorces according to timelines established in Hawaii Family Court Rules.
Minimum timeframes for divorce in Honolulu County:
- Uncontested divorce without children: Approximately 6-8 weeks from filing to final decree
- Uncontested divorce with children: Approximately 8-10 weeks from filing to final decree
- Contested divorce: Minimum 6 months, often 9-12 months or longer
Procedural timelines include:
-
Filing to Service: 1-30 days
- Complaint must be served on respondent
- Service may be accepted voluntarily or require formal process
-
Response Period: 20 days
- Respondent has 20 days to file an Answer after being served
- Extensions may be granted by stipulation or court order
-
Financial Disclosure: 45 days
- Parties must exchange financial information within 45 days of the Answer
- Delays in disclosure often extend overall timeline
-
Settlement Conferences: Variable
- Court typically schedules 1-3 settlement conferences
- Usually set 30-60 days apart
-
Trial (if necessary): 6-12 months from filing
- Court schedules trials based on calendar availability
- Complex cases may require multiple trial days
Factors that may extend timeframes:
- High-conflict custody disputes
- Complex property division issues
- Business valuation requirements
- Discovery disputes
- Court congestion
- Judicial reassignments
Hawaii law imposes a mandatory waiting period of at least 30 days between filing and finalization of any divorce, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §580-41.
How Long Does Honolulu County Keep Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Honolulu County are maintained permanently in accordance with Hawaii's records retention policies. The preservation of these documents follows guidelines established by the Hawaii State Judiciary and the Department of Health.
Record retention practices include:
-
Court Case Files
- Maintained permanently by the Family Court of the First Circuit
- Older records (pre-1980) may be transferred to microfilm or digital format
- Original paper records from before 1951 are housed at the Hawaii State Archives
- Recent records (post-2000) are maintained in both paper and electronic formats
-
Divorce Certificates
- Preserved permanently by the Department of Health Office of Vital Records
- Maintained in secure, climate-controlled environments
- Backed up through multiple preservation methods
- Available for certified copies indefinitely
-
Index Records
- Permanent alphabetical indexes maintained for public searching
- Electronic indexes available for cases filed after approximately 1990
- Card catalog indexes for older cases
While records are maintained permanently, the accessibility format may change:
- Records less than 10 years old: Typically available in original format at the courthouse
- Records 10-30 years old: May require retrieval from off-site storage
- Records over 30 years old: May be available only on microfilm or in digital archives
- Records before 1951: Accessed through the Hawaii State Archives
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes §602-5.5 and Hawaii Court Records Rules, the Judiciary maintains court records according to established retention schedules, with divorce records designated for permanent retention due to their ongoing legal significance.
How To Get a Divorce In Honolulu County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Honolulu County must follow procedures established by the Family Court of the First Circuit. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.
Requirements for filing divorce in Honolulu County:
- At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months
- The filing spouse must have been physically present in the county for at least three months
- Legal grounds must be cited (Hawaii recognizes no-fault divorce)
Steps in the divorce process:
-
Preparation of Documents
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons to Answer Complaint
- Matrimonial Action Information Sheet
- Income and Expense Statement
- Asset and Debt Statement
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)
-
Filing the Complaint
- Submit documents to Family Court of the First Circuit
- Pay filing fee ($215 as of 2025)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
-
Service of Process
- Deliver documents to spouse according to court rules
- Personal service by authorized individual
- Alternative service methods available with court approval
-
Response Period
- Spouse has 20 days to file an Answer
- If no response, default judgment may be requested
-
Financial Disclosure
- Exchange of financial information
- Discovery process if necessary
-
Resolution
- Settlement agreement if uncontested
- Mediation for disputed issues
- Court hearings for contested matters
- Trial if settlement not reached
-
Final Judgment
- Judge signs Divorce Decree
- Decree filed with court clerk
- Certified copies available for legal purposes
Family Court of the First Circuit
Kapolei Judiciary Complex
4675 Kapolei Parkway
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 954-8000
Hawaii State Judiciary
Self-help resources are available through the Family Court Service Center, located at the courthouse, which provides assistance with forms and procedural information.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Honolulu County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Honolulu County may obtain the necessary legal forms through several official channels. The Family Court of the First Circuit provides standardized documents for divorce filings.
Sources for divorce papers include:
-
Family Court Service Center
- Located at Kapolei Judiciary Complex, 1st Floor
- Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
- Provides forms and limited procedural assistance
- No appointment necessary
-
Hawaii State Judiciary Website
- Forms available for download at: https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help/divorce/divorce_forms
- Includes instructions for completion
- Available in PDF format
- Separate forms for cases with and without children
-
Law Libraries
- Supreme Court Law Library 417 S. King Street, Room 115 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 539-4964
- Provides reference copies of forms
- Staff cannot provide legal advice
-
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii 924 Bethel Street Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 536-4302
- Assistance for qualifying low-income individuals
- By appointment only
Required forms typically include:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Summons to Answer Complaint
- Matrimonial Action Information
- Income and Expense Statement
- Asset and Debt Statement
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if children involved)
- Affidavit of Service
- Divorce Decree (for judge's signature)
Individuals should select the appropriate form packet based on their specific circumstances:
- Uncontested divorce without children
- Uncontested divorce with children
- Contested divorce without children
- Contested divorce with children
Pursuant to Hawaii Family Court Rules, all forms must be completed in English, typed or printed legibly, and submitted on 8.5" x 11" white paper.