Practice Areas

The Honolulu law office of Blake T. Okimoto practices throughout Oahu in all areas of family law, with a particular emphasis on divorce cases.  We also handle issues of paternity, adoption, and guardianship.

Divorce

A petition for dissolution of marriage may be filed by either spouse who has met a six-month residency period in the state.  A divorce may be granted when the marriage is "irretrievably broken" or if the parties have lived apart for a specified time (usually two years) and show no signs of reconciling.

If uncontested, a divorce may be granted on the basis of affidavits without the need for a hearing.  If one party contests the divorce, a hearing is conducted to determine support, maintenance and property division.  For more information on those issues, please see our property division and alimony page.

Child Custody and Support

The court awards custody to either one or both parents according to the best interests of the child.  The court may also award visitation rights to parents, siblings, grandparents, or others interested in the child's welfare.  Child support is based on a variety of factors, including the earning potential of both parents, the needs of the child, and the existence of any other children or dependants who must be cared for. 

Hawaii has adopted the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which addresses how custody issues should be handled when the parents are residing in different states.  In these cases, a court located in the child's home state, or that has significant connections with the child, will make custody determinations based on UCCJEA provisions. 

Paternity

The Child Support Enforcement Agency is authorized to bring actions to establish paternity, pursuant to the Uniform Parentage Act.  Once established, the parent of a child may be ordered to pay child support even if they were never married to the other parent.  A mother, child, or putative father may also bring an action to establish or challenge paternity within certain statutory time periods.

Adoption

"Any proper adult person" may petition the court for leave to adopt a child.  The Department of Human Services may also petition for adoption on behalf of the proposed parents when such adoption is the goal of a permanent plan recommended by the department.  In some cases, consent is required by a parent or legal guardian before an adoption may occur.  A court hearing is generally required.

Guardianship

Guardianship in Hawaii could refer to that of a minor or an adult who is incapacitated.  A person can become guardian of a minor either by court appointment or parental appointment, which requires court confirmation following a hearing.  A guardian has the duties and powers of a parent in regard to a child's support, care, education, health, and welfare.

With over thirty years of experience practicing family law in Hawaii courts, Blake T. Okimoto has the knowledge and skill to successfully resolve your divorce, child custody, or other family law matter.  Contact Blake T. Okimoto, A Law Corporation today for a consultation.