Hawaii Filing and E-Filing

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Family Court civil cases like divorce and custody have been e-filable in JEFS since 2022. A self-represented person with an active case can apply for a JEFS account and file online.

To start a brand new case you generally file your first papers with the court the regular way, then register in JEFS to e-file everything after that.

In Hawaii, online filing is only partly open to a parent without a lawyer, so check what applies to your court before you count on it.

Official Hawaii filing resources

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JEFS (Judiciary Electronic Filing and Service System) (Hawaii State Judiciary): Family Court civil cases like divorce and custody have been e-filable in JEFS since 2022. A self-represented person with an active case can apply for a JEFS account and file online. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/legal_references/efiling

Hawaii official filing information (Hawaii judicial branch): The court's own page explaining how documents are filed in Hawaii and what a parent without a lawyer is allowed to do. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/

Hawaii court locations (Hawaii judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/court-locations-and-addresses

Hawaii family law forms (official index) (Hawaii judicial branch): The official statewide collection of Hawaii family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help/courts/forms

Hawaii court self-help resources (Hawaii courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own Hawaii family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/self-help

Hawaii rules of procedure (Hawaii judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in Hawaii. https://www.courts.state.hi.us/legal_references/rules

Official link data for Hawaii was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.

Frequently asked questions

Can I file my own family papers online in Hawaii?

In Hawaii, online filing is only partly open to a parent without a lawyer, so check what applies to your court before you count on it. To start a brand new case you generally file your first papers with the court the regular way, then register in JEFS to e-file everything after that.

How much does it cost to file a family case in Hawaii?

Divorce filing fee: ~$215. If you cannot afford the fee, ask the clerk about a fee waiver or indigency application; every state has a process for requesting one.

Which court hears family cases in Hawaii?

Family cases in Hawaii are heard in the Family Court. Hawaii runs a dedicated Family Court inside each judicial circuit. Hawaii has four judicial circuits across its islands, each with a Family Court.