When parents separate or divorce, ensuring the well-being of their children becomes the top priority. One of the key issues that must be addressed is child support—a financial contribution that helps cover a child’s basic needs such as housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education.

In Hawaiʻi, child support is calculated using a structured formula established by state guidelines. Whether you’re the parent receiving or paying support, understanding how the system works can help you make informed decisions and ensure a fair outcome for your family.

1. The Basics: What Is Child Support?

Child support is a court-ordered payment made by one parent to the other for the financial support of their child. The goal is to ensure that children continue to receive the same level of care and support they would have if both parents were living together.

In Hawaiʻi, both parents are financially responsible, and the support amount is based on their combined income and the time each parent spends with the child.

2. The Income Shares Model

Hawaiʻi uses the Income Shares Model, which is based on the idea that children are entitled to a share of both parents’ incomes. Here’s how it generally works:

Step-by-Step Overview:

1. Determine gross monthly income for both parents. This includes wages, tips, bonuses, rental income, and even certain benefits.
2. Adjust for allowable deductions such as taxes, union dues, and other court-ordered child or spousal support.
3. Calculate the combined available income.
4. Use the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (provided by the Hawaiʻi Child Support Enforcement Agency) to find the basic support obligation based on the number of children and the combined income.
5. Allocate each parent’s share of support proportionally based on their income contribution.

This ensures that both parents contribute fairly, regardless of who has physical custody.

3. Factors That May Influence the Amount

While the Income Shares Model forms the foundation, several other factors can influence the final child support amount:

• Healthcare premiums: If one parent pays for the child’s medical, dental, or vision insurance, that expense is factored into the calculation.
• Childcare costs: Work-related childcare expenses (e.g., daycare, babysitting) are shared between the parents.
• Extraordinary expenses: These may include special education, travel for visitation, or uninsured medical costs.
• Parenting time: The number of overnights each parent has with the child can affect the support calculation, especially in joint physical custody situations.

4. Modifying Child Support in Hawaiʻi

Life changes—and so can child support orders. If there is a substantial change in circumstances, either parent can request a modification. Common reasons include:

• A significant change in income (job loss or raise)
• A change in custody or parenting time
• A change in the child’s needs (medical condition, education costs)

Modifications must be requested through the family court or Hawaiʻi’s Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA), and the requesting party must provide documentation supporting the change.

Note: Until the court approves a modification, the existing order remains legally enforceable.

5. Enforcement and Penalties

Child support is a legal obligation. If a parent fails to pay, the CSEA has several enforcement tools, including:

• Wage garnishment
• Intercepting tax refunds
• Suspending driver’s or professional licenses
• Placing liens on property

Delinquent payments can also accrue interest and impact a parent’s credit.

Let an Experienced Attorney Help You Navigate

While Hawaiʻi’s child support system is guided by formulas and worksheets, no two families are the same. An experienced family law attorney can help ensure your support order reflects your unique circumstances and that your child’s best interests are protected.

We assist clients throughout Hawaiʻi with child support calculations, modifications, enforcement, and defense. Whether you’re establishing support for the first time or requesting a change, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Schedule a confidential consultation today to learn more about your rights and responsibilities under Hawaiʻi’s child support laws.