Custody & Visitation in Hawaii

5 verified resources.

About Custody & Visitation for Fathers

Custody and visitation cases are handled at the state and county level, typically through each state's family court or unified family division. Every state follows some version of the 'best interest of the child' standard, but the specifics — how judges weigh parental fitness, how parenting time is structured, how modifications are granted — vary widely. Most states have free self-help centers inside their main courthouses where fathers can get forms, file paperwork, and receive guidance without hiring an attorney. National organizations like the ABA, Cordell & Cordell, and various fathers' rights groups supplement local resources. This directory combines official state court self-help portals, county-level family law facilitators, private family law firms that represent fathers, and fatherhood advocacy organizations — all verified and up to date.

Custody & Visitation 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.

5 Resources

1. Mediation Center of the Pacific – Custody — Paid

Court-approved mediation for custody and visitation disputes on Oahu, helping fathers reach parenting agreements without litigation. Neutral mediators assist with schedules, decision-making, and conflict resolution from the Honolulu office. Walk-in during weekday business hours or call to schedule an intake. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, and proposed parenting schedules for your first session.

808-521-6767 · 245 N Kukui St #206, Honolulu, HI 96817 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

2. Native Hawaiian Legal Corporation – Family Law — Free

Legal advocacy for Native Hawaiian families navigating custody matters, with staff attorneys who understand cultural and ohana considerations in family court. Serves Native Hawaiian fathers statewide from the downtown Honolulu office. Services are free to qualifying clients. Bring photo ID, proof of Native Hawaiian ancestry if available, existing orders, and income documentation to your intake appointment.

808-521-2302 · 1164 Bishop St #1205, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

3. UH Law School Family Law Clinic — Free

Free family law representation from supervised law students at the University of Hawaii Manoa campus. Assists fathers with custody, visitation, and related family matters when clinic capacity allows. Call to screen for eligibility before visiting the Dole Street location. Bring photo ID, pay stubs or income proof, existing court orders, and children's birth certificates for your initial consultation.

808-956-6547 · 2515 Dole St, Honolulu, HI 96822 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

4. Maui Mediation Services – Custody — Paid

Mediation for custody and parenting time disputes on Maui, providing a structured forum for parents to craft workable schedules outside the courtroom. Based in Wailuku and serving Maui County fathers. Call weekday business hours to schedule intake. Bring photo ID, any existing court orders, children's birth certificates, and a draft of your proposed parenting schedule to help move the session forward.

808-244-5744 · 95 Mahalani St #20, Wailuku, HI 96793 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm

5. Hawaii Disability Rights Center – Family Law — Free

Free legal assistance for parents with disabilities who are involved in custody cases, protecting parental rights under state and federal disability law. Serves qualifying fathers statewide from the Bishop Street office in Honolulu. Call to request intake. Bring photo ID, documentation of your disability, any existing court orders, and income verification to your first appointment.

808-949-2922 · 1132 Bishop St #2102, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-4:30pm · Visit Website

Custody & Visitation — Common Questions

Do I need a lawyer to file for custody?
No. Every state has self-represented (pro se) filing options, and most county courthouses have a Family Law Facilitator or Self-Help Center that provides forms and guidance at no cost. A lawyer is strongly recommended if the case is contested, involves abuse allegations, or requires relocation or interstate issues.
How is 'best interest of the child' actually decided?
Judges weigh factors including each parent's ability to provide stability, the child's relationship with each parent, any history of violence or substance abuse, the child's preference (usually after a certain age), work schedules, and each parent's willingness to support the other's relationship with the child. Specific factors are listed in each state's custody statute.
Can I get 50/50 custody as a father?
Yes. Most states now have a presumption of — or strong preference for — joint legal and joint physical custody when both parents are fit and engaged. Fathers who show consistent involvement, stable housing, and willingness to coordinate with the mother have strong odds of receiving substantial parenting time, up to 50/50.
What if my ex violates the custody order?
File a Motion for Contempt or a Motion to Enforce with the court. Document every missed exchange, refused visit, or violation with dates, times, messages, and witnesses. Most courts treat repeated violations seriously, with remedies ranging from make-up time to modification of custody to sanctions.