Hawaii County Divorce Records
What Are Hawaii County Divorce Records?
Divorce records in Hawaii County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-1, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records typically consist of two primary components: court case files containing the complete legal proceedings and divorce certificates that officially document the termination of the marriage.
The Family Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) processes and maintains divorce records as part of its judicial responsibilities. These records serve multiple essential purposes:
- Legal verification of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for legal name changes following divorce
- Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
- Verification for loan applications and financial matters
- Required documentation for immigration and citizenship processes
- Historical and genealogical research
Hawaii County divorce records contain sensitive personal information and are subject to specific access regulations under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84, which governs the confidentiality of certain family court records.
Are Hawaii County Divorce Records Public?
Hawaii County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. The Hawaii Uniform Information Practices Act (UIPA), codified in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92F, establishes the framework for public records access in the state, but divorce records fall under specific provisions:
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Court Case Files: Basic divorce case information (case numbers, parties' names, filing dates, and general procedural history) is generally available to the public through the Hawaii State Judiciary's records system. However, sensitive financial information, custody evaluations, and certain other documents may be sealed or redacted.
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Divorce Certificates: The Hawaii Department of Health maintains official divorce certificates, which have restricted access. Pursuant to Hawaii Administrative Rules § 8-1-2.1, only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- The divorced parties themselves
- Immediate family members with direct interest
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with court orders
- Government agencies for official purposes
The Hawaii State Judiciary provides limited public access to divorce records through its eCourt Kokua system, which allows basic case information searches but restricts access to full documents and sensitive information.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Hawaii County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Hawaii County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the case.
For basic divorce case information:
- Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua online portal
- Select "Family Court" as the court type
- Enter available search criteria (names of parties, case number, filing date)
- Review the basic case information provided
For certified divorce certificates:
- Submit a completed application to the Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Vital Records
- Provide proper identification and documentation of eligibility to access the record
- Pay the required fee ($10.00 for the first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy)
- Submit the request either in person, by mail, or through the Hawaii Electronic Vital Records Ordering System
For comprehensive divorce case files:
- Visit the Family Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaii County)
- Complete a records request form specifying the case information
- Present valid identification
- Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for regular copies)
Family Court of the Third Circuit - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Hawaii County Online?
Hawaii County residents and authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information through digital platforms maintained by state agencies. The online search process varies based on the type of divorce record information sought.
For basic case information and status:
- Navigate to the Hawaii State Judiciary's eCourt Kokua portal
- Create a free user account if you don't already have one
- Select "Family Court" from the court type dropdown menu
- Enter search parameters (party names, case number, or filing date range)
- Review the available case summary information
For certified divorce certificates:
- Visit the Hawaii Electronic Vital Records Ordering System
- Create an account or log in to an existing account
- Select "Divorce Certificate" from the document type options
- Provide the required information (names of both parties, date of divorce, location)
- Upload documentation proving eligibility to access the record
- Pay the required fee ($10.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy)
- Choose delivery method (mail or in-person pickup)
Online access to complete divorce case files is limited due to privacy considerations. Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84, certain sensitive information in family court proceedings is protected from general public disclosure.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Hawaii County?
Hawaii County provides limited options for accessing divorce records without payment, though most comprehensive record requests involve nominal fees. The following methods offer free or low-cost access to basic divorce record information:
For free basic case information:
- Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary's public access computer terminals located at:
Hawaii County Judiciary Complex
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary
- Use the on-site eCourt Kokua system to search for basic case information
- Note that printing documents from these terminals incurs standard copy fees
For free divorce verification (limited information):
- Contact the Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Vital Records
- Request a verification letter confirming divorce (rather than a certified certificate)
- Provide required identification and proof of eligibility
- Note that while verification letters contain less detail than certificates, they confirm the fact of divorce
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
Individuals experiencing financial hardship may request fee waivers for court records by submitting Form 1D-P-1026 (Request to Proceed In Forma Pauperis) to the Family Court. Approval is at the court's discretion based on demonstrated financial need.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Hawaii County
Hawaii County divorce records contain comprehensive documentation of the marriage dissolution process. The content varies between court case files and divorce certificates, with each serving distinct purposes.
Divorce court case files typically include:
- Petition for Divorce (initial filing document)
- Summons and proof of service to the respondent
- Financial disclosure statements from both parties
- Property division agreements or court determinations
- Child custody and support arrangements (if applicable)
- Alimony/spousal support determinations (if applicable)
- Affidavits and sworn testimonies
- Court hearing transcripts
- Final Decree of Divorce (the official judgment)
- Post-decree modifications (if any have occurred)
Certified divorce certificates contain more limited information:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Date the divorce was finalized
- Location (county) where the divorce was granted
- Case number for reference purposes
- Date the certificate was issued
- Official state seal and certification
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-56, divorce records must accurately reflect the court's final determination regarding property division, which becomes final when the divorce is granted unless specifically reserved by the court.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Hawaii County?
Individuals requiring official documentation of a divorce in Hawaii County have several options for obtaining proof, depending on their specific needs and the level of detail required.
For certified divorce certificates:
- Submit a completed application to the Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Vital Records
- Provide proper identification (government-issued photo ID)
- Demonstrate eligibility to receive the record (as divorced party, immediate family, or authorized representative)
- Pay the required fee ($10.00 for first copy, $4.00 for each additional copy)
- Choose between in-person, mail, or online submission methods
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
For certified copies of the Final Decree of Divorce:
- Visit or contact the Family Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaii County)
- Complete a records request form with case information
- Present valid identification
- Pay the certification fee ($2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
- Specify whether the document needs court certification or exemplification (for international use)
Family Court of the Third Circuit - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary
For expedited processing of divorce verification letters, the Department of Health offers same-day service for in-person requests submitted before 2:30 PM on business days.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Hawaii County?
Hawaii County divorce proceedings offer limited confidentiality options under specific circumstances. While most divorce cases are matters of public record, certain sensitive information may be protected from general public access.
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84 and Hawaii Family Court Rules, the following divorce-related information receives heightened confidentiality protection:
- Records involving minor children (custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports)
- Financial affidavits and detailed financial information
- Medical and mental health records submitted as evidence
- Social security numbers and other personal identifiers
- Allegations of domestic violence or abuse
- Settlement negotiations and mediation communications
Parties seeking additional confidentiality protections may:
- File a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case file
- Demonstrate compelling privacy interests that outweigh the public's right to access
- Request redaction of sensitive information from publicly accessible documents
- Pursue alternative dispute resolution methods (mediation, collaborative divorce) that maintain greater privacy
The court balances confidentiality requests against Hawaii's constitutional commitment to open government and transparency. Complete sealing of divorce cases is rare and granted only when the court determines that privacy interests substantially outweigh public access interests.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Hawaii County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Hawaii County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court caseload. Under current Hawaii law, specific timeframes apply to different divorce scenarios.
For uncontested divorces (where parties agree on all issues):
- Minimum waiting period: 6-8 weeks from filing to finalization
- Average processing time: 2-3 months
- Required residency: At least one spouse must have been a Hawaii resident for at least 3 months prior to filing, and a resident of the circuit in which they file for at least 3 months
For contested divorces (where parties disagree on one or more issues):
- Average duration: 6-12 months
- Complex cases (significant assets, business valuations, custody disputes): 1-2 years
- Factors affecting timeline: court scheduling, discovery process, settlement negotiations, trial requirements
According to the Hawaii State Judiciary Annual Statistical Report, the median time from filing to disposition for divorce cases in the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) is approximately 5.2 months, though individual cases may vary significantly.
Expedited processing is available in limited circumstances:
- Military deployments
- Medical emergencies
- Relocation necessities
- Domestic violence situations (with protective orders)
All Hawaii divorces are subject to statutory waiting periods and procedural requirements established in Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-41, which governs the time periods for divorce actions.
How Long Does Hawaii County Keep Divorce Records?
Hawaii County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established by state law and administrative policies. The preservation periods vary based on the type of record and its historical significance.
For Family Court divorce case files:
- Active case files: Maintained at the courthouse until case closure
- Closed case files (less than 10 years old): Stored at the courthouse or nearby records center
- Closed case files (more than 10 years old): Transferred to the Hawaii State Archives
- Historically significant cases: Permanently preserved
For divorce certificates and vital records:
- Original records: Permanently maintained by the Hawaii Department of Health
- Electronic database records: Permanently preserved in the vital records system
- Index information: Permanently accessible for verification purposes
Pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 94-3, which governs public archives and record management, divorce records are classified as permanent records due to their legal and historical significance. The Hawaii State Archives maintains these records indefinitely, though access restrictions may apply to more recent records.
Digital conversion efforts are currently underway to preserve older paper records and improve accessibility while maintaining appropriate privacy protections. The Hawaii State Digital Archives project aims to eventually provide secure electronic access to historical divorce records while complying with all applicable privacy laws.
How To Get a Divorce In Hawaii County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Hawaii County must follow specific legal procedures established under Hawaii family law. The divorce process varies depending on whether the case is contested or uncontested.
For uncontested divorces (both parties agree on all issues):
- Verify eligibility: At least one spouse must have been a Hawaii resident for a minimum of three months and a resident of the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) for at least three months
- Obtain and complete required forms from the Family Court of the Third Circuit or the Hawaii State Judiciary website
- File the completed forms with the Family Court clerk and pay the filing fee ($215 for divorce without children, $265 for divorce with children)
- Serve the divorce papers on the non-filing spouse according to court rules
- Submit proof of service to the court
- Attend the required hearing (if scheduled by the court)
- Receive the final divorce decree after the judge's approval
For contested divorces (disagreement on one or more issues):
- File the initial divorce petition with the Family Court
- Serve the petition on the responding spouse
- Participate in the temporary orders hearing (if requested)
- Complete the mandatory financial disclosure process
- Attend court-ordered mediation for custody and property disputes
- Participate in settlement conferences with the judge
- Prepare for and attend trial (if settlement is not reached)
- Receive the final divorce decree containing the court's rulings
Family Court of the Third Circuit - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary
Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals through the court's In Forma Pauperis process. Legal assistance for self-represented litigants is available through the Hawaii Self-Help Interactive Forms program and the courthouse Self-Help Center.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Hawaii County
Hawaii County residents initiating or responding to divorce proceedings can obtain the necessary legal forms through several official channels. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides standardized divorce documents for various situations.
For obtaining divorce papers:
- Visit the Family Court of the Third Circuit (Hawaii County) clerk's office in person:
Family Court of the Third Circuit - Hilo
777 Kilauea Avenue
Hilo, HI 96720
(808) 961-7400
Hawaii State Judiciary
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Download forms directly from the Hawaii State Judiciary website, which offers:
- Divorce packets for couples with children
- Divorce packets for couples without children
- Simplified divorce forms for uncontested cases
- Forms for specific situations (military divorces, custody modifications)
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Visit the courthouse Self-Help Center for assistance completing forms:
- Located within the Family Court building
- Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Volunteer attorneys available during scheduled hours
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Request forms by mail by sending a written request to the Family Court clerk with:
- Specific forms needed
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Contact information for follow-up questions
All divorce forms must be completed according to court guidelines and filed with the appropriate filing fees. Current filing fees are $215 for divorces without children and $265 for divorces with children. Fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals through Form 1D-P-1026 (Request to Proceed In Forma Pauperis).