Kauai County Public Records /Kauai County Divorce Records

Kauai County Divorce Records

What Are Kauai County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Kauai County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-1, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the state. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed during the divorce process, including the initial petition, financial disclosures, custody arrangements (if applicable), and the final divorce decree.

The Family Court of the Fifth Circuit, which serves Kauai County, processes and maintains these records as part of its judicial responsibilities. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-1, the Family Court has jurisdiction over all matrimonial actions, including divorce proceedings.

Divorce records serve multiple important purposes:

Legal proof of marital status change
Documentation required for remarriage
Evidence for name change processes
Supporting documentation for Social Security benefit adjustments
Verification for loan applications and financial matters
Required documentation for immigration proceedings
Historical and genealogical research

The Hawaii Department of Health's Office of Health Status Monitoring also maintains divorce certificates, which serve as the official state record of divorce events occurring within Kauai County and throughout Hawaii.

Are Kauai County Divorce Records Public?

Kauai County divorce records have a dual status regarding public accessibility. The Uniform Information Practices Act § 92F-12 establishes Hawaii's framework for public records access, but divorce records fall under specific provisions that create a tiered access system.

Court divorce case files maintained by the Family Court of the Fifth Circuit are generally considered public records. Members of the public may access:

Case dockets
Court hearing schedules
Final divorce decrees
Property settlement agreements
Child support orders

However, certain components of divorce files may be restricted or redacted pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rules Rule 9, which places responsibility on parties to protect personal information. Restricted information typically includes:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Names of minor children
Medical and health information
Sensitive personal information

Certified divorce certificates issued by the Hawaii Department of Health have more restricted access. Under Hawaii Administrative Rules § 8-1-2.1, these certificates are available only to:

The individuals named in the record
Immediate family members
Legal representatives with proper authorization
Individuals who can demonstrate a tangible interest

This dual-access framework balances the public's right to information with individual privacy protections established under state law.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Kauai County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Kauai County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record needed and the requester's relationship to the case.

For court case files:

Visit the Family Court of the Fifth Circuit in person:

Family Court of the Fifth Circuit
3970 Kaʻana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2330
Hawaii State Judiciary

Complete a records request form specifying the case number (if known) or the names of the parties and approximate date of divorce.
Pay the applicable search and copy fees:
- Record search: $5.00 per name
- Regular copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page

For certified divorce certificates:

Submit a completed Request for Certified Copy of Divorce Record form to the Department of Health.
Provide proper identification and documentation establishing eligibility to receive the record.
Submit the required fee of $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered at the same time.
Applications may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the Hawaii Electronic Vital Records Ordering Portal.

For expedited service, requesters may utilize the Department of Health's Kauai District Health Office:

Kauai District Health Office
3040 Umi Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3498
Hawaii Department of Health

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Kauai County Online?

Kauai County residents and authorized individuals may access certain divorce record information through digital platforms. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides online access to basic case information through its eCourt Kokua system.

To search for divorce records online:

Visit the Hawaii State Judiciary's Search Court Records portal.
Select "Family Court" as the court type and "Fifth Circuit" for Kauai County.
Enter search criteria such as:
- Case ID (if known)
- Party name (last name, first name)
- Filing date range
Review the search results, which typically include:
- Case number
- Filing date
- Party names
- Case type
- Current status

It is important to note that online access provides limited information. The system displays case metadata rather than actual document contents. Pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rules Rule 10.2, certain sensitive family court records may have restricted online accessibility.

For certified divorce certificates, the Hawaii Department of Health offers an electronic vital records ordering system where eligible individuals may request official divorce certificates. Users must create an account, verify their identity, and pay the applicable fees to utilize this service.

Researchers should be aware that comprehensive divorce file contents are not available through online platforms and typically require in-person requests at the appropriate court facility.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Kauai County?

Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Kauai County have limited options, as most official record retrieval services involve statutory fees. However, certain resources provide basic information without charge:

Public Access Terminals: The Family Court of the Fifth Circuit provides computer terminals for public use at no cost. Visitors may search basic case information including:
- Party names
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Hearing schedules
- Case status
Family Court of the Fifth Circuit
3970 Kaʻana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2330
Hawaii State Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Law Library Resources: The Kauai Law Library maintains public records indices that can be consulted without charge:

Kauai Law Library
3970 Kaʻana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2327
Hawaii State Judiciary Law Libraries
Online Case Information: Basic case information can be viewed without charge through the eCourt Kokua system, though document contents are not available through this platform.

While these resources provide free access to basic record information, obtaining copies of actual documents or certified records will incur statutory fees as established under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 92-21, which authorizes government agencies to charge reasonable fees for reproducing public records.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Kauai County

Divorce records in Kauai County typically comprise multiple documents that collectively document the legal dissolution of marriage. The content of these records is governed by Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-47, which establishes requirements for support, division of property, and other matters in divorce proceedings.

A complete divorce case file generally contains:

Complaint for Divorce (initial petition) - Identifies parties, marriage date, grounds for divorce, and requested relief
Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
Proof of Service - Documentation showing the respondent received legal notice
Answer and Counterclaim (if applicable) - Respondent's formal reply to divorce petition
Income and Expense Statements - Financial disclosures from both parties
Asset and Debt Statements - Inventory of marital property and liabilities
Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable) - Calculations for child support obligations
Parenting Plan (if applicable) - Custody and visitation arrangements for minor children
Settlement Agreement - Terms agreed upon by both parties regarding property division, support, and other matters
Divorce Decree - Final judgment dissolving the marriage and establishing post-divorce obligations

The certified divorce certificate issued by the Hawaii Department of Health contains more limited information:

Full names of both parties
Date of divorce
County where divorce was granted
Case number
Date filed with the Department of Health

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly accessible versions of these records pursuant to privacy protections established under Hawaii Court Records Rules Rule 9.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Kauai County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Kauai County have two primary options for obtaining official documentation. The appropriate choice depends on the specific purpose for which the proof is needed.

For a certified divorce certificate:

Submit a completed Request for Certified Copy of Divorce Record form to the Hawaii Department of Health.
Provide acceptable identification and documentation establishing eligibility to receive the record, such as:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of relationship to named parties (if applicable)
- Legal authorization (for attorneys or agents)
Pay the required fee of $10.00 for the first copy and $4.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
Submit the request through one of these channels:

Hawaii Department of Health - Office of Health Status Monitoring
1250 Punchbowl Street, Room 103
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 586-4533
Hawaii Department of Health Vital Records

Kauai District Health Office
3040 Umi Street
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 241-3498
Hawaii Department of Health

For a certified copy of the divorce decree:

Visit or contact the Family Court of the Fifth Circuit:

Family Court of the Fifth Circuit
3970 Kaʻana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2330
Hawaii State Judiciary
Complete a request form providing the case number or names of parties and approximate date of divorce.
Pay the certification fee of $2.00 per document plus $1.00 per page.

For international use, documents may require additional authentication through apostille or certification processes available through the Hawaii Lieutenant Governor's Office.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Kauai County?

While divorce proceedings in Kauai County are generally matters of public record, Hawaii law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with legitimate privacy interests of the parties involved.

Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 571-84, which governs records in family court proceedings, the following elements may receive confidential treatment:

Records involving minor children
Sensitive financial information
Health and medical records
Domestic violence allegations and protective orders
Social service agency reports

Parties seeking enhanced confidentiality may petition the court for:

Sealing of Records: In exceptional circumstances, the court may order entire case files sealed from public view when disclosure would cause undue harm. This requires demonstrating that privacy interests substantially outweigh the public interest in access.
Redaction of Information: Pursuant to Hawaii Court Records Rules Rule 9, certain personal identifiers must be redacted from publicly accessible documents, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Birth dates
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
Confidential Filings: Certain documents may be filed under seal with restricted access, particularly those containing sensitive financial disclosures or information related to minor children.
Anonymous Proceedings: In rare cases involving significant safety concerns or extraordinary circumstances, the court may permit proceedings under pseudonyms (e.g., "Jane Doe v. John Doe").

It is important to note that complete confidentiality of divorce proceedings is extremely rare and granted only in exceptional circumstances. Parties seeking confidentiality should consult with legal counsel regarding available options under current Hawaii law.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Kauai County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Kauai County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court caseload. Under Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-42, a divorce decree becomes effective when signed by the judge and filed with the court.

Uncontested divorces with complete agreement typically follow this timeline:

Filing to completion: 6-8 weeks (minimum)
Mandatory waiting period: None, but practical processing time creates de facto minimum timeframe
Court processing time: 4-6 weeks after submission of all required documentation

Contested divorces involving disputes over property, support, or custody follow a more extended timeline:

Filing to completion: 6-12 months (typical)
Discovery phase: 2-4 months
Settlement negotiations: 1-3 months
Trial preparation (if needed): 2-3 months
Trial and post-trial proceedings: 1-2 months
Final decree issuance: 2-4 weeks after trial conclusion or settlement

According to the Hawaii State Judiciary Annual Statistical Report, the average time from filing to disposition for contested divorce cases in the Fifth Circuit (Kauai) is approximately 9 months, though complex cases may extend significantly longer.

Factors that commonly affect timeframes include:

Court calendar congestion
Availability of mandatory mediation services
Complexity of property division
Child custody evaluations (if required)
Expert witness involvement
Attorney scheduling conflicts
Party cooperation in discovery and disclosure

The Family Court of the Fifth Circuit offers expedited procedures for qualifying uncontested cases through its Divorce Decree by Affidavit program, which may reduce processing time for eligible cases.

How Long Does Kauai County Keep Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Kauai County are subject to retention schedules established by both the Hawaii State Judiciary and the Department of Health. These schedules ensure the preservation of important legal documents while managing storage resources effectively.

The Family Court of the Fifth Circuit maintains divorce case files according to the Hawaii State Judiciary Records Retention Schedule, which establishes the following retention periods:

Complete case files: Permanent retention for cases filed after 1980
Divorce decrees: Permanent retention (never destroyed)
Financial records and supporting documentation: 10 years after case closure
Temporary orders: 10 years after expiration
Exhibits: Returned to parties or destroyed 1 year after final judgment (unless ordered preserved)

The Hawaii Department of Health maintains divorce certificates under provisions of Hawaii Revised Statutes § 338-4, which establishes:

Permanent retention of all vital records, including divorce certificates
Preservation in both physical and electronic formats
Security measures to prevent loss or damage

For research purposes, the Department of Health maintains a Hawaii Divorce Index that provides limited information about divorces granted since 1951. This index is available to the public and serves as a finding aid for locating specific divorce records.

While original records are permanently maintained, the accessibility of older records may vary. Records predating digital systems may require additional processing time for retrieval from archival storage facilities.

How To Get a Divorce In Kauai County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Kauai County must follow procedures established under Hawaii Revised Statutes Chapter 580, which governs divorce proceedings throughout the state. The process varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

For uncontested divorces (both parties in agreement):

Determine eligibility: At least one spouse must have been domiciled in Hawaii for at least six months prior to filing, and be physically present in the state, pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes § 580-1.
Obtain and complete required forms from the Family Court of the Fifth Circuit:
- Complaint for Divorce
- Matrimonial Action Information Sheet
- Income and Expense Statement
- Asset and Debt Statement
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (if applicable)
File completed forms with the court clerk:

Family Court of the Fifth Circuit
3970 Kaʻana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2330
Hawaii State Judiciary
Pay the filing fee (approximately $215) or request a fee waiver if eligible.
Serve divorce papers on the other spouse according to court rules.
Submit a proposed divorce decree and other settlement documents once all requirements are met.

For contested divorces (disagreement on terms):

Complete steps 1-5 as outlined above.
Participate in court-ordered mediation for cases involving children.
Engage in the discovery process to exchange financial information.
Attend pre-trial conferences and hearings as scheduled by the court.
Prepare for and participate in trial if settlement cannot be reached.
Receive the court's judgment and decree after trial conclusion.

Self-represented litigants may access forms and instructions through the Family Court Forms for Kauaʻi (Fifth Circuit) website. The court also offers limited assistance through its Self-Help Center:

Kauai Self-Help Center
Kauai Judicial Complex
3970 Kaʻana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Hours: Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary Self-Help Centers

How To Get Divorce Papers In Kauai County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Kauai County can obtain the necessary legal forms through several official channels. The Hawaii State Judiciary provides standardized forms that comply with state law requirements.

To obtain divorce papers:

Access forms online through the Family Court Forms for Kauaʻi (Fifth Circuit) website, which offers downloadable PDF forms for various divorce situations:
- Divorce with children
- Divorce without children
- Uncontested divorce by affidavit
- Response to divorce complaint
- Financial disclosure forms
- Child support worksheets
Visit the Family Court clerk's office in person:

Family Court of the Fifth Circuit
3970 Kaʻana Street, Suite 210
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 482-2330
Hawaii State Judiciary
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (excluding holidays)
Request forms by mail by sending a written request specifying the needed forms to the court address above, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope for return delivery.
Consult with volunteer attorneys at the Self-Help Center for guidance on form selection and completion:

Kauai Self-Help Center
Kauai Judicial Complex
3970 Kaʻana Street
Lihue, HI 96766
Hours: Thursdays, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hawaii State Judiciary Self-Help Centers
For specialized situations not covered by standard forms, consult with a private attorney or legal aid organization:

Legal Aid Society of Hawaii - Kauai Office
3016 Umi Street, Suite 208
Lihue, HI 96766
(808) 245-4728
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii

All forms must be completed according to court instructions and filed with appropriate filing fees. Current filing fees for divorce actions in the Family Court are approximately $215, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals under financial hardship.