First Circuit – Family Court

Overview

The Family Court of the First Circuit hears domestic relations cases including divorce, child support, paternity, and child custody. It also hears legal matters involving minor children to include termination of parental rights, adoption, guardianship, and abuse and neglect.

Specialties

Family court proceedings

Additional Information

The Court Ho'okele Desk provides one-on-one assistance with court forms and procedures, help finding resources in the courthouse and self-help packets with forms and instructions. The Judiciary provides accommodations for persons with disabilities. Request assistance 10 days in advance and Disability Accommodations Coordinators assigned to various courts and programs will help you. The Family Court Access to Justice Room is staffed by Family Law attorneys. It provides free, short-term, legal consultations, which are time-limited and confidential. Representation does not continue post-consultation. The Judiciary is committed to providing meaningful access to court processes and services to persons with limited English proficiency. The Judiciary provides court interpreters to parties in a case free of charge. The Temporary Restraining Order Hotline of the First Circuit Family Court is located on the island of O'ahu. It can be reached to answer questions you may have about TROs or the process to obtain a TRO against a family or household member. TROs can be filed at either the Kapolei Courthouse at 4675 Kaplei Parkway, Kapolei, HI 96706 or the Downtown Courthouse at 777 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96814. In foster care cases, parents who cannot afford an attorney are entitled to court appointed counsel. Show up for your hearing and interview with a court officer who will determine if you are financially eligible. If you do not qualify you may postpone the hearing to obtain private counsel.