Hawaii Child Support Laws and Guidelines

Home
Court Processes
Hawaii Child Support Laws and Guidelines

Child support is a critical issue for many families in Hawaii and throughout the United States. Also referred to as Child maintenance, the laws exist to ensure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive and reach their full potential. In Hawaii, these laws are designed to help cover the costs of raising a child.

Whether you are a parent seeking to establish or modify a child support order in HI, or a noncustodial parent looking to understand your responsibilities and rights, this article will provide valuable information and guidance.

In this article, we will explore the laws and regulations surrounding child maintenance in Hawaii, including how it is calculated and enforced, and provide resources for those seeking help with child support issues.

What are Hawaii Child Support Laws?

Hawaii’s Child Support Laws are a set of legal rules and guidelines established by the state’s legislature that govern the calculation and enforcement of child support payments. These laws are intended to ensure that children receive the financial support they need from both parents, even if the parents are no longer living together.

Under Hawaii’s child support laws, the amount of support a parent is required to pay is based on their income, the number of children involved, and the amount of time the parent spends with the children. The Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) is responsible for enforcing court-ordered child support by garnishing wages, intercepting tax refunds, or suspending driver’s licenses and other state-issued licenses.

The Hawaii child support laws also use the income shares model where the child support calculation considers both parent’s income and works on the principle of both parents are financially responsible for the child, and the child’s standard of living should be as close as possible to the standard of living the child would have had if the parents were still together.

Purpose and Use of Child Maintenance in HI

The general purpose of child support in HI includes:

To ensure that children receive the financial support they need to thrive and reach their full potential
To cover the costs of food, housing, clothing, healthcare, and other essential expenses for the child

How Child Support is Calculated in HI

The basic steps for calculating child support in Hawaii are:

Determine the combined gross income of both parents: This includes all sources of income, such as wages, salaries, tips, bonuses, commissions, and any other form of income.
Use the Child Support Guidelines Schedule to determine the basic child support obligation: The schedule is based on the combined income of both parents and the number of children involved. It provides a recommended amount of support for each family.
Add any additional expenses: This can include things like health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and any other expenses that are necessary for the care of the children.
Allocate the child support obligation between the parents: This is typically done by determining the percentage of the combined income that each parent earns. The parent who earns a higher percentage of the combined income will pay a higher percentage of the child support obligation.
Adjust for the time each parent spends with the children: If one parent has primary physical custody of the children, the other parent will typically be responsible for paying a higher percentage of the child support obligation

Hawaii Child Support Calculator

The Hawaii Child Support Calculator is a tool that is used to determine the amount of child support that should be paid in a particular case. The calculator takes into account the income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children.

To use the Hawaii Child Support Calculator, you will need to input certain information about your case, including the gross income of both parents, the number of children involved, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children. The calculator will then use this information to determine the amount of child support that should be paid based on the state guidelines.

Factors that may Affect the Amount of Child Maintenance in Hawaii

Income of both parents: The income of both parents is a significant factor in determining the amount of child maintenance in Hawaii. The guidelines use a percentage of the combined gross income of both parents to determine the basic child support obligation.
The number of children: The number of children for whom child maintenance is being calculated is another important factor. The guidelines use a different formula for each number of children, so it is important to accurately determine the number of children involved.
Amount of time each parent spends with the children: The amount of time each parent spends with the children can also affect the amount of child maintenance that is paid. The guidelines provide a formula for determining the amount of child support that each parent should pay based on their respective incomes and the amount of time they spend with the children.
Special circumstances: The court may deviate from the guidelines in certain circumstances, such as when the income of one parent is significantly higher or lower than the guidelines suggest, or when the child has extraordinary medical or educational expenses.
Changes in circumstances: Child maintenance orders may be modified by the court if there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a change in the income of either parent or a change in the amount of time each parent spends with the children.

Challenging Child Support Assessment in HI

There may be times when a parent wishes to challenge a child support assessment in Hawaii. There are a few different ways that a parent may do this:

Request a review: If a parent believes that there has been a mistake in the calculation of the child support assessment, they can request a review of the assessment. The parent should provide any documentation that they believe supports their claim, such as proof of income or changes in circumstances.
File a petition to modify the child support order: If a parent believes that there has been a significant change in circumstances that warrants a modification of the child support order, they can file a petition with the court to modify the order. This may include changes in income, changes in the amount of time each parent spends with the children or other significant changes.
Seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney: It is always a good idea to seek the guidance of an experienced family law attorney if you have questions or need help with child support issues in Hawaii. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and can represent you in court if necessary.

Modifying a Child Support Order in Hawaii

There may be times when a parent wishes to modify a child support order in Hawaii. This could be because of a change in circumstances.

To modify a child support order in Hawaii, the following steps are generally followed:

File a petition to modify the child support order: A parent who wishes to modify a child support order must file a petition with the court that issued the original order. The petition should include information about the proposed changes and the reasons for seeking the modification.
Serve the petition on the other parent: The parent who filed the petition must serve the petition on the other parent, either personally or through a process server.
Attend a hearing: The court will schedule a hearing to consider the petition to modify the child support order. Both parents should attend the hearing and be prepared to present evidence and argue their case.
Wait for a decision: After the hearing, the court will consider the evidence and arguments presented and will issue a decision on the petition to modify the child support order.

Factors that may Warrant a Modification

There are a few different factors that may warrant a modification of a child support order in Hawaii:

Change in income: A significant change in the income of either parent may warrant a modification of the child support order. This could include a significant increase or decrease in income, such as a promotion or a job loss.
Change in the amount of time each parent spends with the children: A change in the amount of time each parent spends with the children may also warrant a modification of the child support order. For example, if one parent begins to have the children overnight more frequently, this may warrant a modification of the child support order.
Change in the needs of the child: A change in the needs of the child may also warrant a modification of the child support order. For example, if the child develops a medical condition that requires additional healthcare expenses, this may warrant a modification of the child support order to cover these additional expenses.
Other significant changes in circumstances: Any other significant changes in circumstances that may affect the ability of one parent to pay child support or the needs of the child may also warrant a modification of the child support order.

Process for Requesting Child Maintenance Order Modification in Hawaii

To request a modification of a child support order in Hawaii, the following steps are generally followed:

File a petition to modify the child support order: A parent who wishes to modify a child support order must file a petition with the court that issued the original order. The petition should include information about the proposed changes and the reasons for seeking the modification.
Serve the petition on the other parent: The parent who filed the petition must serve the petition on the other parent, either personally or through a process server.
Attend a hearing: The court will schedule a hearing to consider the petition to modify the child support order. Both parents should attend the hearing and be prepared to present evidence and argue their case.
Wait for a decision: After the hearing, the court will consider the evidence and arguments presented and will issue a decision on the petition to modify the child support order.

How to Collect and Enforce Child Support in HI

There are a few different ways that a parent can collect and enforce child support in Hawaii:

Income withholding: In most cases, child support is paid through income withholding, which means that the noncustodial parent’s employer is required to deduct the amount of child support from the parent’s paycheck and send it to the custodial parent.
Liens: If the noncustodial parent fails to pay child support, the custodial parent may be able to place a lien on the noncustodial parent’s property, including their home, vehicle, or bank accounts.
Garnishment: The custodial parent may be able to garnish the noncustodial parent’s wages or other sources of income, such as their social security benefits or workers’ compensation payments.
Contempt of court: If the noncustodial parent fails to pay child support as ordered by the court, they may be found in contempt of court and may face consequences such as fines, jail time, or other penalties.
Assistance from the Office of Child Support Enforcement: The Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) is a state agency that can help parents collect and enforce child support orders. The OCSE can assist with income withholding, locating non-custodial parents, and enforcing child support orders through legal action.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Child Support Payments and Enforcement in HI

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on child support payments and enforcement in Hawaii and across the United States. Many parents have experienced financial hardships as a result of the pandemic, which may affect their ability to pay child support. At the same time, the pandemic has disrupted normal court operations, making it more difficult to enforce child support orders.

Here are a few ways that COVID-19 has impacted child support payments and enforcement in Hawaii:

Financial hardship: Many parents have experienced financial hardship as a result of the pandemic, including job loss, reduced income, or increased expenses. This may make it more difficult for some parents to pay child support as ordered by the court.
Court disruptions: The pandemic has disrupted normal court operations, including child support hearings. This may make it more difficult to enforce child support orders or modify existing orders.
Payment relief: Some states, including Hawaii, have implemented payment relief measures to help parents who are struggling to pay child support due to the pandemic. These measures may include temporary suspension of payment requirements, reduced payment amounts, or other measures.
Enforcement challenges: The pandemic has also made it more challenging to enforce child support orders through normal means, such as income withholding or garnishment. This may make it more difficult for custodial parents to receive the child support payments they are entitled to.

Temporary Changes to HI Child Support Laws and Guidelines During the Pandemic

There have been several temporary changes to Hawaii child support laws and guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic. These changes were implemented to help parents who were struggling to pay child support due to the financial hardships caused by the pandemic.

Here are a few examples of temporary changes to Hawaii child support laws and guidelines during the pandemic:

Suspension of payment requirements: Some child support orders have been temporarily suspended, which means that parents are not required to make payments until further notice. This may be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
Reduced payment amounts: In some cases, child support payments have been temporarily reduced to reflect the financial impact of the pandemic. This may be done on a case-by-case basis, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.
Payment relief measures: The state of Hawaii has implemented payment relief measures to help parents who are struggling to pay child support due to the pandemic. These measures may include temporary suspension of payment requirements, reduced payment amounts, or other measures.

Resources for Parents Seeking Information and Assistance with Child Support Issues

There are several resources available to parents in Hawaii who are seeking information and assistance with child support issues. Some of the most commonly used resources include:

Hawaii Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA): The CSEA is responsible for enforcing court-ordered child support and can provide parents with information about how child support is calculated, how to apply for child support services, and how to enforce or modify a child support order.
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: This organization provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals and families in Hawaii, including help with child support issues.
Hawaii State Judiciary: The judiciary’s website provides a wide range of information about child support in Hawaii, including forms and instructions for initiating a child support case, guidelines for calculating child support, and FAQs about child support laws and procedures.
Private Attorneys: Parents can also choose to hire a private attorney to help them navigate the child support system in Hawaii. These attorneys can provide legal representation, and advice, and help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under state child support laws.
Community-based organizations and support groups: There are also several community-based organizations and support groups that provide information and assistance to parents dealing with child support issues in Hawaii. Some of these organizations focus on specific issues, such as those related to single parenting, while others may provide more general support and resources for parents.

The Role of Hawaii Child Support Agencies in Enforcing Orders

The CSEA’s role in enforcing child support orders includes:

Locating non-custodial parents: If the custodial parent does not know the whereabouts of the non-custodial parent, the CSEA can use various methods, such as searching state and federal databases, to locate the non-custodial parent and establish paternity if needed.
Establishing child support orders: Once the non-custodial parent has been located, the CSEA can help the custodial parent establish a child support order through the court system.
Collecting child support: The CSEA can help collect child support by intercepting the non-custodial parent’s wages, tax refunds, or other forms of income. They can also take other enforcement actions such as suspending driver’s licenses, passports, and professional licenses and contacting credit bureaus to report delinquent payers.
Modifying child support orders: If the non-custodial parent experiences a change in circumstances, such as a loss of income or an increase in the number of children they are responsible for, the CSEA can help the custodial parent request a modification of the child support order.
Enforcing court-ordered child support: The CSEA can take legal action against non-custodial parents who are not paying their court-ordered child support, such as filing a contempt of court action or taking the non-custodial parent to court to enforce the order.
Helping with services such as medical support and establishing paternity.

Contact The HI Child Support Agency

Here are some contact details for the Hawaii CSEA:

Phone: (808) 586-5400 or toll-free (800) 468-4644
Email: csea@dhs.hawaii.gov
Mailing Address: Child Support Enforcement Agency, P.O. Box 339, Honolulu, HI 96809
Website: https://humanservices.hawaii.gov/csea-home/

Additionally, you may also contact your local Child Support Enforcement Agency office, to have a personal assistant.

The agency provides services such as:

Locating non-custodial parents
Establishing paternity
Establishing and enforcing child support orders
Modifying child support orders
Collecting and distributing child support payments

Child Support Questions Hawaii

Who Pays Child Maintenance in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, child support is typically paid by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. The noncustodial parent is generally the parent who spends the least amount of time with the children. Child support payments are intended to help the custodial parent cover the costs of caring for the children, including expenses such as food, shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education.

Is Medical Health Insurance Part of Child Support in HI?

Medical health insurance may be included as part of a child support order in Hawaii. The court may order the noncustodial parent to provide health insurance coverage for the children as part of the child support order. This can help ensure that the children have access to necessary medical care and can reduce the financial burden on the custodial parent.

If the noncustodial parent is ordered to provide health insurance coverage for the children as part of the child support order, they will generally be responsible for paying the premiums for the insurance coverage. The cost of the premiums may be included in the overall child support amount, or it may be ordered as a separate payment.

Does Hawaii Require a Minimum Amount of Child Support?

Under the Hawaii child support guidelines, there is no set minimum amount of child support that must be paid. However, the guidelines do provide a range of child support amounts that may be appropriate based on the income of the parents and the number of children. The court will consider the specific circumstances of the case and may order a child support amount that falls within the guidelines or that deviates from the guidelines based on the needs of the children and the ability of the parents to pay.

How Long Do You Have to Pay Child Support in HI?

In Hawaii, the amount that a parent is required to pay for child support is determined by the state’s child support guidelines and the specific court order. Typically, child support is paid until the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old in Hawaii. However, in some cases, child support can continue until the child is 21 years old if the child is still in high school or if the child is physically or mentally disabled.

However, the court order that establishes child support has precedence over general guidelines, so the specific duration of child support may vary case by case.

How Does Hawaii Child Maintenance Work if one Parent Has no Job?

If one parent is not working and has no income, the court may still order that parent to pay child support in Hawaii. In this situation, the court may impute income to the nonworking parent based on their education, work experience, and the local job market. Imputing income to a parent in a child support case means assigning an income to the parent based on their potential earning capacity rather than their actual income.

The court will consider a variety of factors in determining whether to impute income to a nonworking parent in a child support case, including the parent’s education, work experience, and the local job market. The court may also consider the parent’s reasons for not working, such as caring for young children or pursuing additional education.

Is Child Support Tax Deductible in HI?

In most cases, child support payments are not tax deductible in Hawaii or in any other state in the United States. Child support payments are considered to be personal payments that are not related to the production of income, and therefore they are not tax deductible.

However, there are some limited circumstances in which child support payments may be tax deductible. For example, if a parent is paying child support as part of a divorce or separation agreement, and the agreement specifically states that the payments are to be treated as alimony, the payments may be tax deductible by the paying parent and taxable to the receiving parent.

Conclusion

Hawaii child support laws are an important part of ensuring that children receive the financial and emotional support they need from both parents. While the laws can be complicated, they are designed to protect the best interests of the child. Parents should familiarize themselves with the laws and consult an attorney if they have any questions or concerns.

Get some help by contacting Child Support Law Attorneys in Hawaii

As a parent, the well-being and future of your child should be your top priority. But navigating the complex world of child maintenance laws can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s where child support attorneys come in. These dedicated professionals can help guide you through the process of establishing or modifying a child support order, ensuring that your child receives the financial support they need and deserve. Don’t let your child’s future be left to chance. Take control of their financial stability and seek the services of a skilled child maintenance attorney in Hawaii today. Don’t wait, your child’s future depends on it.

Search and contact qualified Hawaii Family Law Attorneys now

Get free case evaluation from 3 HI Child Support Attorneys or Law Firms

Click Here now!

Child Support Laws in all 50 States

#Child Support Laws