Spousal maintenance, also known as alimony, factors in some Hawaii divorces. When couples split, one partner may agree to provide financial support to the other. Alternatively, the court may require it. In either case, the health of each spouse can be a major factor. Health status In Hawaii, courts consider the health of both spouses when deciding on spousal maintenance awards. The reasoning lies in the principle of fairness and equity. For example, if one spouse has health issues that limit their ability to earn income or become self-sufficient post-divorce, they may require financial support ..read more

Resolving child custody disputes can be challenging. However, there are effective strategies that parents can employ to navigate these situations. By approaching custody disputes with patience and a focus on finding solutions that benefit the child, parents can work toward agreements that foster stability and harmony for everyone involved. 1. Communicate effectively Open and constructive communication is necessary for parents embroiled in child custody disputes. Maintaining respectful dialogue allows both parties to express their concerns and preferences regarding custody arrangements. By fost ..read more

Planning a wedding is an exciting process, but it is equally important to consider protecting your assets as well. While a prenuptial agreement can provide valuable protections, small mistakes can render it invalid. There are some common pitfalls that you should try to avoid with your prenuptial agreement. Failing to disclose assets You must provide full financial disclosure to your future spouse, including debts, assets, income sources and anything else relevant to the prenup. Omitting or hiding anything substantial qualifies as fraud, giving grounds to invalidate the agreement later. Regular ..read more

Military marriages and divorces bring their own set of challenges. One unique aspect is spousal support. After all, the dynamics of deployment and frequent relocations can amplify the complexities for the nonserving spouse. Impact on career opportunities In Honolulu County, the median household income is $99,816. However, military spouses often face challenges in establishing and maintaining their careers due to the demands of military life. Frequent moves and the need to adapt to different work environments can hinder professional growth. One example is the state-specific licensing or certifi ..read more

Over the course of any marriage, financial and familial circumstances evolve. Expectations and plans couples have when entering into a marriage may look very different when divorce is imminent. In such situations, post-nuptial agreements can play a role in simplifying the process and providing clarity for both parties involved. Assets and debts Post-nuptial agreements serve as a valuable tool for couples to define and allocate their assets and debts. Clearly outlining the division of property and financial responsibilities can prevent disputes and lengthy legal battles during divorce proceedin ..read more

Military divorces come with their own set of challenges. While every divorce, military or civilian, is very emotional, military divorces may involve additional rules and requirements for both spouses. One such rule is the 10/10 rule, which is used to determine the division of military retirement benefits during divorce proceedings. Specifically, the rule applies when a marriage and military service overlap for at least 10 years. The 10/10 rule If the marriage and military service overlap for 10 years or more, the non-military spouse may receive a share of the service member’s retirement pay di ..read more

Co-parenting is a challenge that needs teamwork and adaptability. When your ex-spouse is in the military, this journey gets even more complex. Therefore, you should understand how to make the co-parenting process effective. Keep talking openly Enlisted individuals have a divorce rate of 3.5%, while officers have only a 1.7% rate. The Navy has the lowest rate at 2.8%, while both the Marines and Air Force experience a 3.3% divorce rate. One major contributor to most divorces is insufficient or inadequate communication. However, to co-parent effectively, you need to communicate regularly. Share u ..read more

When a parent contemplates relocating to another state and how it will impact child custody, several significant considerations come into play. The decisions made during this process can have far-reaching consequences for both parents and, most importantly, the child. Understanding the impact on custody arrangements Parental relocation can significantly affect existing custody arrangements. The distance between the parents’ new locations can substantially impact the child’s ability to spend time with both parents. While many couples strive for shared custody, 25.8% of children in the U.S. only ..read more

The process of divorce can be emotionally challenging, especially when it comes to dividing retirement funds. If you find yourself facing an uncontested divorce in Hawaii, it is important to gain a clear understanding of how retirement fund division operates in such cases. Hawaii’s community property system Hawaii follows a community property system when it comes to property division during divorce. Under this system, the courts generally consider assets acquired during the marriage as marital property subject to equal division between the spouses. That often includes retirement funds accumula ..read more

When you got married, you likely thought it would last forever. Although divorce rates have declined, it still offers the best solution for some couples. As you navigate the complexities of ending your marriage, focus on prioritizing the following to help it go more smoothly. 1. Know your financial situation Even people who amicably divorce still have pent-up emotions, wants, and needs. That makes keeping emotions in check while going through finances essential. Since Hawaii courts focus on an equitable settlement, it remains vital to have a full and clear understanding of your finances. Any h ..read more