Navigating the complexities of child support can be challenging, especially with the unique considerations that come with Hawaii’s legal system. Here, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about child support in Hawaii to help you understand how it works and what you need to know.

How is Child Support Calculated?

Child support in Hawaii is calculated using the Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (CSGW). You can find this worksheet on the Hawaii State Judiciary website. Simply visit www.courts.state.hi.us, type “child support worksheet” into the search bar on the top left portion of the homepage, and click on the first item entitled “2010 Child Support Guidelines Worksheet.” This worksheet will open in Microsoft Excel.

What Variables Affect the Child Support Amount?

Several variables influence the amount of child support, including:

• Number of children for whom support is being calculated
• Number of visitation overnights
• Each parent’s monthly gross income from all sources
• Health insurance premium differences, which is the monthly dollar difference between the premium covering just the employee parent versus the premium covering the employee parent and child(ren)
• Child care expenses incurred to enable the parent(s) to work, such as after-school care expenses and school vacation period care expenses (e.g., YMCA summer programs)

Is Child Support Payable by High-Income Earners Calculated Differently?

Yes. For high-income earners, child support is calculated based on the child(ren)’s reasonable needs at an appropriate standard of living. This amount may differ from what is calculated using the CSGW.

How is Child Support Paid?

Child support is typically paid in one of two ways:

1. Income assignment (garnishment): This involves automatically deducting the child support amount from the payer’s income.
2. Direct payment: The child support payer makes direct payments to the child support recipient.

When is Child Support Subject to Modification?

Child support can be modified whenever there is a substantial and material change in the financial circumstances of the child support payer, recipient, or the child(ren). This ensures that the support amount remains fair and reflective of current situations.

Read More: Roadmap To Divorce Process In Hawaii: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for Hawaiians

When is Child Support Subject to Termination?

Child support obligations typically terminate upon the last of these events:

• The child attains the age of 18
• The child graduates from high school
• The child discontinues high school

If the child attends a post-high school institution full-time, child support continues and terminates upon the first of these occurrences:

• The child is no longer attending the post-high school institution full-time
• The child graduates from the post-high school institution
• The child attains the age of 23, even if still attending the institution full-time

Note: Child support may also terminate if the child attends college on the mainland and the parents share college expenses, including room and board and a reasonable allowance.

How Can Child Support Arrears Be Collected?

To collect child support arrears, you can:

• File a motion in Family Court
• Initiate an action with the Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA)

In Addition to Child Support, How Do Children Benefit from Their Parents’ Financial Contributions?

Beyond basic child support, children can benefit from their parents’ financial contributions in several ways:

• Payment of health insurance premiums
• Contribution to uncovered health care expenses
• Contribution to extracurricular activities expenses
• Contribution to private education (private school) expenses
• Contribution to college expenses
• Payment of life insurance premiums to secure payment of child support and child expenses if a parent dies

Understanding the intricacies of child support in Hawaii ensures that both parents can provide the best possible support for their children. If you have further questions or need assistance with your child support case, consider consulting with a legal professional who can provide guidance tailored to your specific situation.