13 Resources
The Hawaii State Judiciary provides free official court forms, instructional guides, and self-help resources for custody, visitation, divorce, and family law matters. Available statewide online at courts.state.hi.us, the portal walks users through filling out petitions, motions, and parenting plans without an attorney. Call 808-539-4300 for guidance on which forms apply to your situation. No income requirement — open to all.
808-539-4300 · Statewide Online Resource · Online 24/7 · Visit Website
The Legal Aid Society of Hawaii provides free legal representation in custody, divorce, visitation, and family court matters for low-income women statewide. Located at 924 Bethel St in Honolulu, call 808-536-4302 to apply for services. Income eligibility applies — bring proof of income, government-issued ID, and any existing court documents. Staff attorneys handle both contested and uncontested cases. Office hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4pm.
808-536-4302 · 924 Bethel St, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm · Visit Website
The Hawaii State Bar Lawyer Referral Service connects women with licensed family law attorneys across the islands. Located at 1100 Alakea St Suite 1000 in Honolulu, call 808-537-1868 Monday through Friday 8am to 4pm. A nominal consultation fee may apply for the initial meeting; attorneys are prescreened. This service is ideal for women who need a paid attorney for contested custody, divorce, or property disputes.
808-537-1868 · 1100 Alakea St Suite 1000, Honolulu, HI 96813 · Mon-Fri 8am-4pm · Visit Website
Hawaii Family Court provides court-connected mediation services for parents in custody, visitation, and family disputes as an alternative to contested hearings. Mediators are neutral professionals who help both parties reach a parenting agreement. Available statewide through the judiciary at 808-954-8300, Monday through Friday 7:45am to 4:30pm. Mediation is often faster and less adversarial than litigation, and agreements can be submitted to the court.
808-954-8300 · Statewide Service · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website
Aloha United Way's 211 helpline connects women in Hawaii with free referrals to family law resources, legal aid organizations, social services, and community programs. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply dialing 211 from any phone statewide. Trained information specialists can help identify appropriate legal aid, custody resources, shelter, food assistance, and other support based on your specific situation and location.
211 · Statewide Service · 24/7 · Visit Website
WomensLaw.org provides free, state-by-state custody and visitation legal information written in plain language by attorneys specifically for women. The site explains legal standards courts use to determine custody, how to modify existing orders, what to do if a parent violates a custody agreement, and how to find local legal help. Available online 24/7 at no cost — no login required. An excellent first resource before contacting an attorney.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The American Bar Association Family Law Section maintains a national attorney directory and provides free public resources on custody, divorce, child support, and parenting plans. Use the online lawyer finder to locate a licensed family law attorney by state. The ABA also offers plain-language guides on custody standards, modification processes, and how courts decide what is in the best interest of the child. Free to access online.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The federal Office of Child Support Services coordinates with all 50 state agencies to establish, enforce, and modify child support orders. Their website provides a directory linking directly to every state's child support enforcement office. Services include paternity establishment, locating noncustodial parents, obtaining court orders, and collecting payments. Free for custodial parents — OCSS charges are typically collected from the noncustodial parent.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
USA.gov is the official federal portal providing plain-language guidance on child custody and support for parents in every state. The site explains how custody is determined, how to apply for child support through your state agency, what to do when orders are not followed, and links to each state's enforcement office. Available online 24/7 at no cost. A reliable starting point for understanding your legal rights as a parent.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
ChildWelfare.gov is a federal information gateway providing guidance on custody arrangements, kinship care, foster care, and parenting plan development. Maintained by the Children's Bureau, the site offers research summaries, state-specific policy information, and practical resources for parents navigating family court or child welfare systems. Free online access with no registration required. Especially helpful for grandparents or relatives seeking custody.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges provides research, training, and resources on best practices in family court, including custody determinations, domestic violence cases, and child welfare proceedings. Their publications and toolkits are publicly available online and help advocates, attorneys, and self-represented litigants understand how courts approach complex family matters. Free to access at ncjfcj.org.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
The Cornell Law School Legal Information Institute offers a free, comprehensive online legal reference covering custody, visitation, child support, and all areas of family law. Written by legal professionals in plain language, it explains statutes, case law, and legal definitions. No login or cost required — available at law.cornell.edu. An excellent resource for women representing themselves or wanting to understand legal concepts before meeting with an attorney.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
FindLaw offers free public legal information on child custody arrangements, modifications, and enforcement written in accessible language. Articles cover sole vs. joint custody, how judges determine the best interest of the child, how to modify an existing order, and what to do when a parent violates custody terms. The site also includes a lawyer directory to find family law attorneys by state. Free to read at family.findlaw.com.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website