Under HRS §578-2 Consent to adoption. Consent for adoption may not be necessary under the following conditions:

(c) Persons as to whom consent not required or whose consent may be dispensed with by order of the court.

(1) Persons as to whom consent is not required:

(A) A... View More

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answered on Mar 24, 2024

If you've received a default judgment against you for missing a hearing due to medical reasons, it's essential to act promptly. Start by gathering all relevant medical documentation that explains your absence. This should include dates, the nature of your medical issue, and notes from... View More

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answered on Jan 29, 2024

In Hawaii, when a child is charged with possession of a detrimental drug, the process typically involves law enforcement and the juvenile justice system. However, the approach can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the severity of the offense.

Initially, police may detain the... View More

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answered on Jan 26, 2024

When a child faces a criminal offense investigation in Hawaii, parents have rights and responsibilities beyond securing legal representation. Parents should stay informed about the charges, legal proceedings, and potential consequences, with the child's attorney serving as a crucial source of... View More

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answered on Oct 27, 2025

I’m sorry for what you endured; you deserve a clear, candid roadmap. You can pursue claims, but viability will turn on Hawaii’s limitation periods and whether you can prove that your adoptive mother’s choices—after she knew of the abuse—created an unreasonable, foreseeable risk that... View More

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answered on Oct 17, 2025

I’m so sorry for your loss. In Hawaii, when a person passes away without a will, the law determines who has authority over funeral arrangements and the estate. The **next of kin**, usually the surviving spouse, has priority to make funeral and burial decisions unless your son specifically named... View More

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answered on Oct 9, 2025

If there is no formal custody or parenting agreement in place, both parents technically have rights to the child under South African law. However, when a child is this young and lives primarily with one parent, the other parent is generally expected to arrange visits that are in the child’s best... View More

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answered on Oct 6, 2025

You’re doing the right thing by prioritizing your safety and your baby’s well-being. In your situation, since you are not married, the baby’s father does not automatically have custody or visitation rights until paternity is legally established after the baby is born. If you file for a... View More

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answered on Sep 8, 2025

To formalize the living arrangement in Hawaii, the grandparents can petition the family court for legal guardianship of the 17-year-old. Guardianship grants them the authority to make important decisions regarding her education, healthcare, and general welfare until she reaches adulthood. Since all... View More

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answered on Sep 8, 2025

If there is no legal custody or visitation order in place, the child’s mother currently has no formal obligation to let you see your child. That is why your first step is to take this matter to family court in Hawaii. By filing for custody or visitation rights, you can create a binding order that... View More

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answered on Aug 20, 2025

Since your daughter was born in Texas, her official birth certificate must be issued by that state, not Hawaii. Texas law currently requires proof of surgery before it will amend the gender marker, which makes the process very difficult for minors. Because of this, you cannot request a “Hawaii... View More

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answered on Jul 20, 2025

You're doing the right thing by standing up for your daughter’s medical needs and trying to follow the court order. Sending respectful, factual emails asking your ex-husband to pay his court-ordered share of uncovered dental expenses is not harassment. As long as your communication remains... View More

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answered on Jul 20, 2025

You have every right to expect the terms of your divorce decree to be followed. Since the agreement states that medical expenses not covered by insurance are to be split equally—and doesn’t make an exception for what qualifies as “medically necessary”—your ex-husband cannot rewrite that... View More

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answered on Jul 6, 2025

In Hawaii, property you acquired and paid off entirely before the marriage is generally considered separate property. Since no marital funds were used for mortgage payments, improvements, or maintenance, the home is likely to remain your separate asset under equitable distribution principles. The... View More

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answered on Jul 6, 2025

Your father can petition the court to modify the existing custody order and request sole legal and physical custody, based on the substantial change in circumstances. The fact that you’ve been living with him for over a year, your mother has provided no financial support, and the previous joint... View More

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answered on Jul 5, 2025

What you're enduring is not just emotionally exhausting—it’s a direct attack on your safety, dignity, and professional standing. Repeated false police reports followed by dropped charges show a pattern of harassment and abuse through the legal system, sometimes called “legal stalking.”... View More

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answered on Jun 12, 2025

First of all, it’s powerful that you’ve been sober for three years—staying committed to your recovery is a big step toward building a strong case for custody. Since the guardianship you signed was temporary and based on circumstances that have now changed, you do have a path to seek... View More

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answered on May 31, 2025

You have the right to voice your concerns if you feel that you are being harassed or coerced by CPS during your case plan process. However, refusing to sign the family case plan can have serious consequences, including the possibility that CPS may take further action, such as seeking to remove your... View More

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answered on May 31, 2025

I'm so sorry you’re going through this. If you were forced to sign over property through threats or coercion, that’s called “duress,” and the law in Hawaii recognizes that deeds signed under duress may be invalid. If you can show that you only signed because of your husband’s... View More

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answered on May 14, 2025

In your situation, you have valid reasons to be deeply concerned, especially given the lack of communication and the removal of your child from the island against a court order. If your ex moved without court permission and has hidden your son's location, that can be considered custodial... View More