Support and Property in a Divorce
HRS 580-47 — what is just and equitable, and a child support review once every three years
In a divorce the court may make orders that appear just and equitable for the support, maintenance and education of the children, support of either spouse, and the final division of property and debts.
Who handles this in Hawaii: legal aid programs, lawyer referral and the state offices, listed in the Hawaii directory.
- For spousal support the court considers each side's financial resources, the length of the marriage, the standard of living during it, age, health, usual occupations, employability, needs, child care responsibilities, and how long the need will probably last.
- Spousal support may be for an indefinite period or until further order, or for a set time to train or qualify for work.
- The division of property and debts is final, subject only to appeal.
- Orders for children's support may be revised on a change in circumstances.
Either parent may ask the family court or the child support enforcement agency to review and adjust child support not more than once every three years without showing a change, and more often with proof of a substantial or material change.
Sources for this section (1)
- HRS 580-47 — Support orders; division of property
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Hawaii attorney.