Can Child Custody Be Modified in Hawaiʻi?

Child custody arrangements are designed to serve a child’s needs, but children and families change over time. A parenting schedule that worked when a child was five may no longer make sense when that child is twelve. A parent may move, change jobs, develop health or substance abuse problems, or become more—or less—involved in the […]

Can a Child Choose Which Parent to Live With in Hawaiʻi?

One of the most common questions in child custody cases is: At what age can a child decide which parent to live with? In Hawaiʻi, there is no specific age—such as 12, 14, or 16—at which a child automatically gets to choose which parent will have custody. Instead, Hawaiʻi law provides that when a child […]

How Far Before the Wedding Should You Get a Prenup in Hawaiʻi?

You are getting married. The venue is booked, invitations have gone out, and the wedding is approaching. Then someone asks:“Should we get a prenup?”That often leads immediately to another question: “Is it too late?” There is no Hawaiʻi law requiring a prenuptial agreement to be signed a specific number of days or weeks before the […]

Adoption vs. Guardianship in Hawaiʻi: What’s the Difference?

When a child is being raised by someone other than a parent, families often assume that guardianship and adoption accomplish the same thing. They do not. Both arrangements allow another adult to care for a child and make important decisions on the child’s behalf. But adoption creates a permanent legal parent-child relationship, while guardianship generally […]

Does the Other Parent Have to Consent to a Stepparent Adoption in Hawaiʻi?

For many stepparents, adoption is the final legal step in a relationship that already exists. A stepparent may help raise a child, attend school events, provide financial and emotional support, and show up for doctor’s appointments and everyday life. Legally, though, the child may still have another parent whose rights must be addressed before the […]

Stepparent Adoption in Hawai’i: A Guide to the Process

Marriage doesn’t just join two people—it builds a family. Over years of school events, ball games, bedtime routines, and everyday support, a stepparent often becomes a true parent in every way but one: legally. Stepparent adoption changes that. It’s the legal process that formally recognizes the parent-child relationship you’ve already built. If you’re a stepparent […]

Can You Lose Family Land in a Hawaii Divorce?

For many families on the Big Island, land is more than property — it represents generations of history, culture, and connection. Whether it’s inherited agricultural land in Kaʻū, a family home in Hilo, acreage in Puna, or ranch property in Waimea, family land often carries emotional weight far beyond its market value. When a marriage […]

Can a Parent Move from the Big Island to Oahu After Divorce?

After a divorce or custody case, life does not always stay the same. A parent may receive a better job opportunity, want to move closer to family, need better access to medical care, or decide that Oʻahu offers more educational or support options for the child. For parents on the Big Island, one common question […]

How Prenuptial Agreements Protect People Marrying on the Big Island

Marriage is one of the most important financial and personal decisions a person can make. A carefully prepared prenuptial agreement can help couples enter marriage with greater clarity, transparency, and peace of mind. At Doi/Luke, Islandlawyers, we assist clients throughout the Big Island with prenuptial agreements designed to protect property, family interests, businesses, and future […]

How Divorce Works in Hilo Family Court

  For many people, filing for divorce is unfamiliar territory. Questions about custody, property, finances, and court procedures can quickly become overwhelming — especially when trying to navigate the Hawaiʻi Family Court system on the Big Island. If you are considering divorce in Hilo or elsewhere on the Big Island, understanding how the process generally […]