Quick answer: Hawai‘i has no spousal support formula. Under HRS 580-47(a) the court weighs thirteen factors, including the parties’ financial resources, the requesting spouse’s ability to meet his or her needs independently, the duration of the marriage, the standard of living, ages and physical and emotional condition, the usual occupation of the parties, the requesting spouse’s vocational skills and employability, the needs of the parties, custodial and child support responsibilities, the paying spouse’s ability to meet his or her own needs while meeting the other’s, and the probable duration of the need. Support may be ordered for an indefinite period or until further order of the court, or for a specific duration to let the requesting spouse complete training or education and then find appropriate employment.
What this calculator shows
The calculator does not predict an award. It builds a monthly ceiling from two of the statutory tests, the requesting spouse’s shortfall and the paying spouse’s surplus, and it adds up the shortest support period when support is rehabilitative: the months needed to complete training or education plus the months needed to find appropriate employment. The factors are in the factors the court weighs, the duration options in how long support lasts and the rehabilitative rule in rehabilitative support.
Property, child support and alimony
The same statute governs support and property division, and the burdens imposed on either party for the children are a consideration for both. See the Hawai‘i property division calculator and the Hawai‘i child support calculator.
Spousal support across Hawai‘i
The statute applies in the Family Courts of all four circuits, from Honolulu, Hilo, Kailua-Kona, Kahului, Lihue or Kapolei. In deciding support and in dividing property, the court also considers the concealment of or failure to disclose income or an asset, or a violation of a restraining order.
Frequently asked questions
How is spousal support calculated in Hawai‘i?
There is no formula. The court weighs thirteen factors in HRS 580-47(a), including needs, ability to pay, the duration of the marriage and the standard of living.
How long does spousal support last in Hawai‘i?
It may be ordered for an indefinite period, until further order of the court, or for a specific duration based on the time needed for training or education plus time to find appropriate employment.
Can Hawai‘i courts order alimony for an indefinite period?
Yes. The statute allows support and maintenance for an indefinite period or until further order of the court.
What is rehabilitative support in Hawai‘i?
Support for a specific duration, based on competent evidence of the time needed to secure training, education or skills, with the court allowing sufficient time to complete that and then to secure appropriate employment.
Does concealing income affect Hawai‘i support?
Yes. The court takes into consideration the concealment of or failure to disclose income or an asset.