How much does a divorce cost in Hawaii?

The cost of divorce in Hawaii varies greatly depending on the case details, especially the disposition of the two parties and any contention over assets. At Honolulu Family Law Office, we aim to be upfront about the real costs of quality divorce representation.

How much does a divorce in Hawaii really cost?

The level of cooperation or conflict between spouses can alter the path of a divorce. If both parties can sit at a table and discuss divorce issues, this can lead to a more amicable settlement, and the cost of divorce may be low. However, if there is high conflict, battles in court may take a lot of time, effort, and money.


Secondly, the amount of assets and money involved in the divorce also significantly determines the overall cost. In Hawaii, property division follows equitable distribution principles, meaning each party receives a fair share of the marital property, but not necessarily an equal share. The more significant the assets, the more challenging and more time-consuming the divorce process may be.


Child custody issues can prolong and further exacerbate the tensions in a divorce. A child’s best interests must be considered in every divorce case. In Hawaii, judges base their child custody determinations on the child’s needs and the ability of the parents to meet those needs. When parents cannot agree on visitation, this issue becomes the most debated custody issue. This dispute can lead to more court appearances and legal expenses, raising divorce costs significantly.


Finally, financial resources and emotions play a significant role in the overall cost of divorce. If you have a low-conflict uncontested divorce, negotiated/mediated divorce, or a high-conflict litigated divorce battled in court, divorce prices can vary substantially. See the table below for the range of prices you can expect to encounter for a divorce in Hawaii.

Are you and your spouse amicably parting ways? The idea of an uncontested divorce can be appealing but can also come with some apprehension. You or your spouse may not know your rights, and that uncertainty can impede progress. With the proper legal guidance, you can navigate your divorce without ever having to step into the courtroom. 



Don't risk the rejection of your paperwork by not entrusting an attorney to handle your divorce! Ensuring that the process moves smoothly means working with a trusted attorney who can guide you through the paperwork and ensure that both parties know their rights. 



Cost range: $1,200 – $2,500

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When two people decide to part ways, it’s not always a clean break. Negotiated and mediated divorces can be a bumpy road filled with points of contention and conflict that require solutions. Even the most straightforward separations can quickly become complicated when emotions get involved. 


This is where the expertise of an opposing attorney and a few court appearances can come in handy. Finding a middle ground that both parties can tolerate is a delicate balancing act. You don’t want to enter a divorce proceeding, thinking it will be a simple, uncontested process. Be prepared for potential roadblocks and trust the experts to help you navigate the choppy waters of divorce.


Divorce doesn’t always have to be a battlefield. Many couples can work through their issues and reach a mutual agreement with the help of mediation. Judges often suggest private mediation or the Mediation Center of the Pacific to resolve child custody, relocation, or property ownership disputes. 


While these issues can often lead to heated arguments, couples can come to a peaceful resolution with the proper guidance from attorneys and mediators. It’s not always easy, but with time and patience, spouses can end their marriage in a way that benefits everyone involved.


Cost range: $2,500 – $15,000

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These splits are far from what most people would hope for when separating. They represent the painful dissolution of relationships marked by an unsavory past and two people who are dead set on fighting each other every step of the way. These are the divorces where emotions run high, substantial assets are divided, and children are caught in the middle. 


It’s a situation no one ever wants, but sadly, some families must endure it. The only way to settle these battles is by turning to serious litigation and hoping for the best outcome for everyone involved.


When it comes to custody battles involving children, emotions can run high. Both parents, in this case, fiercely believe that they should have primary or sole physical/legal custody — and are convinced that involvement from the other parent could harm the kids. It’s understandable. Trust can be hard to build and easy to break. That’s why experts such as custody evaluators or child psychologists step in to provide an objective opinion on what truly is in the children’s best interests. 


When dividing assets during a divorce, things can get complicated, especially when valuable assets like real estate, stocks, and insurance policies are in the mix. With these cases, you must absolutely have a lawyer you can trust and rely on for the long haul.


Cost range: $20,000 – $150,000

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Filling costs in Hawaii can differ depending on if children are involved (this includes step-children). 


The difference between the two is just $50. Filing without children costs $200, and filing with children costs $250.

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Divorce Attorney Fees at Honolulu Family Law Office

At Honolulu Family Law Office, our experienced attorney strives to help you and your spouse avoid a messy divorce. We want your divorce to be as smooth as possible so that both of you can get started on your new and better lives. 


We aim to serve clients from various backgrounds, but we assess legal fees commensurate with the expertise we bring to your case. The precise cost of your divorce will depend on the factors described above, but you can expect to pay between $1,200 - $150,000. This range is expansive, but every case comes with unique costs.

Divorce is a complex process that is always unique to every couple. The level of cooperation or conflict can significantly impact the cost of divorce, the amount of assets and money involved, child custody issues, and available financial resources. In Hawaii, the average cost of divorce ranges from $1,200 to $150,000 or more, depending on the circumstances. When facing a divorce, hiring a reputable attorney to guide you every step of the way can alleviate the stress and make the process less complicated.


Count on Honolulu Family Law Office to help ease into a smooth separation. Our experienced lawyer can walk with you every step of the way until you are finally free and ready to begin your new and better life!


Please contact us today to start a conversation about your divorce proceedings.

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