Hawaii Divorce Filing Fees and Costs (2026)
Court Filing Fee
| Circuit | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1st Circuit (Oahu / Honolulu) | ~$265 |
| 2nd Circuit (Maui) | ~$265 |
| 3rd Circuit (Hawaii / Big Island) | ~$215 |
| 5th Circuit (Kauai) | ~$215 |
Fees vary by circuit. Confirm with your Family Court clerk before filing.
Service Costs
| Method | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Acceptance of Service (spouse signs) | Free |
| Process server | $50–$125 |
| Sheriff's service | $35–$75 |
Fee Waiver — Financial Hardship
Hawaii waives filing fees for qualifying low-income filers.
How to apply:
- Complete the Affidavit for Waiver of Fees (Form 1F-P-881)
- File with the Complaint
- Judge approves; fee waived
Forms: courts.state.hi.us/self-help
Legal Aid Society of Hawaii: legalaidhawaii.org — free legal help for qualifying individuals.
Bureau of Conveyances — Deed Recording
Real estate deed changes are recorded at the Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances — a state-level office. Hawaii does not use county recorders for this purpose.
Bureau of Conveyances fee: approximately $25–$35 per instrument (for regular recording).
Ancillary Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| MSA drafting (attorney) | $500–$3,000 |
| QDRO for retirement plan | $500–$2,000 per plan |
| Real estate appraisal | $500–$900 |
| Bureau of Conveyances deed recording | ~$25–$35 per instrument |
| Business valuation | $3,000–$15,000 |
| Mediator | $200–$500/hour |
Total Cost Estimates
| Scenario | Estimated Total (self-represented) |
|---|---|
| Agreed, no children, no real estate | $270–$500 |
| Agreed, with children | $300–$700 |
| With real estate and retirement accounts | $700–$3,500 |
| Contested divorce | $7,000–$60,000+ |
Last reviewed: March 2026 | $215–$265 filing fee (varies by circuit) | Hawaii Bureau of Conveyances — state-level deed recording | Fee waiver available | legalaidhawaii.org | courts.state.hi.us/self-help
Written by the SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites, state statutes, and legal aid resources. All filing fees and procedures verified March 2026. This is general legal information — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.