Custody Law in Hawaii
A custody case may be the most important event in both your life and your child’s life. The Honolulu Law Practice of Jackie Kong can help you understand the custody laws in Hawaii and how to negotiate the child custody arrangement that will best serve children and their parents.
Hawaii Child Custody Laws
Hawaii adopted the Uniform Child Custody Act (Section 571-46) in 1973, which has now been adopted by all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The intent of the act is to minimize custody conflicts between states, and under the act, each state recognizes and enforces child custody orders from other states. Under Hawaiian law, joint custody – meaning custody with both parents with the physical arrangements to be made as the best interests of the child dictate - is an option available to divorcing parties (571-46.1).
The overarching concern of the custody laws in Hawaii is the “best interests of the child.” What that means practically is that all factors will be considered in determining what is in the child’s best interests. A court may award custody to either parent or both parents, or it may be awarded to someone other than a parent if it serves the best interests of the child. The court may require an investigation and report about the care, welfare, and custody of the child.
Investigators and professionals can assist the court to investigate and report, and the parties may present expert testimony on their own behalf if the court finds the expert’s evidence relevant to a determination of what is in the best physical, moral, mental, and spiritual well-being of the child.
Learn more about child custody laws in Hawaii regarding the following:
