Child Support in Hawaii

4 verified resources.

About Child Support for Fathers

Child support in the United States is administered state-by-state under the Title IV-D federal program, with every state required to operate a child support enforcement agency. These agencies establish paternity, locate non-custodial parents, calculate support obligations, and enforce payments through wage garnishment, tax refund intercepts, license suspension, and other civil enforcement tools. Support amounts are calculated using state-specific guidelines, most based on an income shares or percentage-of-income formula. Fathers paying support can request modifications when their income drops substantially or when circumstances change (job loss, additional children, disability). Fathers owed support can open a case with their state agency free of charge. This directory includes each state's child support agency, online calculators, local enforcement offices, and modification resources.

Child Support in Hawaii

Hawaii's Family Court is a division of the Circuit Court and operates in each of its four judicial circuits (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai). The Child Support Enforcement Agency operates under the Attorney General. Honolulu is by far the largest population center. Legal Aid Society of Hawaii is the primary civil legal aid provider, with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii offering supplemental pro bono support.

4 Resources

1. Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency — Free

Establishes, enforces, and modifies child support orders statewide through the Kapolei headquarters. Services include paternity establishment, order setup, wage garnishment, interstate case handling, and review/modification. Open to custodial and noncustodial parents. Call or visit weekdays. Bring photo ID, Social Security numbers for both parents and children, current pay stubs, and any existing court orders to your first appointment.

808-692-8265 · 601 Kamokila Blvd #251, Kapolei, HI 96707 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. Hawaii Child Support Online — Free

Online portal for payment history and case information for parents with active CSEA cases. Fathers can log in 24/7 to view balances, payment records, and upcoming obligations without calling the agency. Registration requires your CSEA case number and personal identifying information. Use the portal to track wage withholding and document payments before any court review or modification hearing.

24/7 online · Visit Website

3. Hawaii Family Court – Support Modification — Free

File petitions to modify child support orders through family court when income, custody time, or other circumstances have changed substantially. The Kapolei courthouse handles filings for the First Circuit. Fathers should come prepared with photo ID, current pay stubs, tax returns, the existing support order, and written proof of the change in circumstances that justifies modification.

808-954-8300 · 4675 Kapolei Pkwy, Kapolei, HI 96707 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

4. Hawaii Courts Self-Help – Child Support Forms — Free

Online forms and instructions for child support filings through the Hawaii State Judiciary self-help portal. Fathers can download petition templates, financial disclosures, and service paperwork 24/7 without visiting a courthouse. Use the guided instructions to complete your packet correctly, then bring photo ID, completed forms, and filing fees or a fee waiver request to your local family court.

24/7 online · Visit Website

Child Support — Common Questions

How do I open a child support case?
Apply through your state's Child Support Services agency — usually online, in person, or by mail. Applications are free, and the agency handles paternity establishment, order creation, and enforcement on your behalf. You don't need the other parent's cooperation to open a case.
Can I modify my child support order?
Yes, if there's a substantial change in circumstances (income drop of 15–25% or more, job loss, disability, a new child, change in custody time). File a Motion to Modify with the court that issued the original order. Most states don't modify retroactively — file as soon as circumstances change.
What happens if I can't pay?
Contact the child support agency immediately — don't ignore the debt. Options include payment plans, hardship modifications, and in some states, work programs that substitute community service for payment. Accumulated arrears don't disappear but can sometimes be reduced through debt compromise programs.
How is the amount calculated?
Each state uses guidelines — most follow Income Shares (combining both parents' income) or Percentage of Income (only non-custodial parent's income). Online calculators on every state agency site estimate your obligation. The actual order also considers health insurance, childcare, and other add-ons.