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Dad Court Help
Hawaii family-law guide · reviewed September 20, 2026

Emergency Family-Law Resources in Hawaii

Official starting points for immediate safety, interim custody orders, and Temporary Restraining Orders.

Immediate danger: call 911. For suspected child abuse or neglect, contact local law enforcement or Hawaii DHS.

Temporary orders involving children

Hawaii does not promise same-day rulings on any private interim filing. Emergency hearings are limited. Use the Family Court interim procedure and forms, and confirm the receiving court's local intake and deadlines.

A parent can request an interim custody order through the Family Court procedure. For an immediate threat, a Temporary Restraining Order is a separate, faster route.

Temporary Restraining Orders (HRS Ch. 586)

Hawaii's domestic-violence protective order is the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), filed under HRS Chapter 586. An ex parte TRO may be granted without notice, lasting up to 180 days. At the hearing the court may convert it into an order for protection for any reasonable period (Family Court). Violating an order is a misdemeanor.

Hawaii child protective (DHS)

Reports of suspected abuse or neglect go to Hawaii DHS (Department of Human Services) / Child Welfare Services; call 911 for immediate. The Hawaii Child Abuse and Neglect line is 808-832-5300 (Oahu) / 1-888-380-3088 (neighbor islands). An unsubstantiated report does not prove it was knowingly false and does not by itself end custody or visitation.

Official sources reviewed September 20, 2026

Always confirm current local forms, fees, and filing procedure with the Family Court clerk handling your case.

Confirm current court fees and deadlines. Court fees, filing and response deadlines, hearing timing, notice periods, and local procedures can change or vary by Hawaii circuit. Before relying on any amount or time period on this page, confirm the current amount or deadline with the Family Court clerk handling your case. Before relying on any amount or time period on this page, confirm the current amount or deadline with the court or clerk handling your case.

Interactive builder kits for Hawaii Custody & Visitation

Parenting Plan Builder · $12

Creates a filing-preparation draft from your selections. It is not an official court form.

Open kit

Emergency Custody Kit · $9

Organizes requested temporary relief and sworn facts. Local review is required.

Open kit

Child Support Modification · $9

Creates a modification-preparation draft using your facts.

Open kit

Complete Bundle · $29

Unlocks all three interactive builders.

Open bundle