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
SoLongSoulmate.com Editorial Team
Researched using official state court websites and verified legal aid resources. Filing fees and procedures verified June 2026. General legal information only — not legal advice.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.