Child custody and support in Hawaii
Custody and child support in a Hawaii divorce: the legal term for custody, the parenting class, custody mediation and the child support agency.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026
In short
In Hawaii, custody is called “custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)”. Parenting class: Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu).
- Custody term
- Custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)
- Parenting class
- Depends on the court
- Child support agency
- Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA)
Custody terms in Hawaii
Custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)
Mediation
Family courts can refer contested custody and property issues to mediation. Ask your family court about local programs.
Parenting class in Hawaii
- Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu).
- Ask your family court.
Child support in Hawaii
Child support follows Hawaii's guidelines. For help setting up or collecting it, contact the state's child support agency.
Children in a Hawaii divorce: what the process includes
Custody
The court's orders use Hawaii's term for custody: custody and visitation (legal and physical custody).
Parenting class
Take the parenting class described above if Hawaii requires it in your case.
Mediation
If the court sends you to mediation, go to every session; the rule is above.
The child support agency
For help setting up or collecting support, contact the state's child support agency.
Questions about custody and child support in Hawaii
What is child custody called in Hawaii?
Hawaii uses the term “custody and visitation (legal and physical custody)”.
Do parents have to take a class in a Hawaii divorce?
Parents in contested custody cases are often ordered to attend a court parent-education program (such as Kids First on Oahu). Ask your family court.
Which agency handles child support in Hawaii?
Is mediation required for custody in Hawaii?
Family courts can refer contested custody and property issues to mediation. Ask your family court about local programs.
More about divorce in Hawaii
- All Hawaii divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Hawaii
- Alimony in Hawaii
- Serving divorce papers in Hawaii
- Divorce timeline estimator for Hawaii
- Divorce checklist for Hawaii
- How to file for divorce without a lawyer
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
Custody and support in nearby states
Sources
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.