Access to Family Court

COVID-19 has impacted all aspects of our daily lives, even our court systems.  On March 16, 2020, the Chief Justice of the Hawaii Supreme Court made his first order limiting in-person appearances and postponing all divorce and paternity hearings until after April 30, 2020.  Only hearings on extreme matters, such as Temporary Restraining Orders, would be considered, needing approval in advance by a judge.

By a further recent order, some contested hearings may begin if tools such as videoconferencing and telephone appearances can be used.  However, there is no certainty on when this might start, how it might take place and what hearings might qualify.

So what does that mean for you and your access to the Family Court?

The Family Court remains open for some basic services in an effort to resolve matters that are not disputed. These services include starting new divorce and paternity cases, filing motions and reviewing agreements such as Stipulations and Divorce Decrees.

Please keep in mind that in-person filing has been suspended for the time being and the physical Family Court buildings are closed to the general public unless you have a hearing date. The court is currently allowing attorneys to submit documents via email.  You are also able to visit the Family Court’s website to access any of the forms needed to complete your own family law case (Divorce, Paternity, Child Support, Civil Union, Temporary Restraining Order, Adoption, Guardianship).

If you have any questions regarding submitting documents, beginning a family law case, or on how the COVID-19 affects your legal issues, take the next step and call (808) 539-1100 or email [email protected] so we can provide you with the personal attention you need to resolve your legal issues.

Click here for more Covid-19 Family Law related information.

PMK Partner Christian P. Porter was a speaker at The Douglas Trade Show sponsored by Hawaiian Properties held on March 11. Speakers presented on the obligations and objectives of a Community Association Board, and how to become an effective member.  Porter discussed fiduciary duty and avoiding exposure.

PMK Partner Christian P. Porter was a featured panelist at the Hawaiian Properties Seminar for Board of Directors held on February 15th.  Porter discussed General Enforcement of Rules, Fining Policy – Legal Due Diligence Requirements and Assistance Animals.

The Honolulu law firm of Porter McGuire Kiakona, LLP (PMK) is pleased to announce that Dallas H. Walker and Leo Shimizu have joined the firm as associate attorneys.

Walker graduated summa cum laude from the William S. Richardson School of Law at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.  Prior to joining PMK, he practiced civil litigation at a mid-sized law firm in Honolulu, assisting clients in real estate and business disputes. Walker will join the firm’s litigation section, which serves clients on Oahu and the neighbor islands. He is also a member of the Hawaii State Bar Association.

Shimizu also earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from the William S. Richard School of Law. Prior to joining PMK, he worked as an associate with the Honolulu law firm Carlsmith Ball LLP, focusing on litigation, corporate law, and small business law. As an associate attorney at PMK, Shimizu will practice in the areas of community association, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

Porter McGuire Kiakona, LLP is pleased to announce that Partner Kapono Kiakona was elected president of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Hawaii Chapter for the 2020 year.

CAI is an international membership organization dedicated to building better communities. CAI has 64 chapters worldwide and provides information, education and resources to the homeowner volunteers who govern communities and the professionals who support them. CAI members include association board members and other homeowner leaders, community managers, association management firms and other professionals who provide products and services to associations.