Jackie Kong, Esq.
Hawaii Divorce and Family Law Attorney
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Adoption is a meaningful and life-changing decision that brings families together. In Hawaii, the adoption process is designed to ensure the safety and well-being of children while providing prospective parents with the legal tools to build or expand their families. Whether you’re considering adopting a stepchild, a relative, or a child through an agency, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements, timelines, and costs involved.
This comprehensive guide covers the adoption process in Hawaii, including the different types of adoption, legal steps, required home studies, and what to expect during court approval.
There are several types of adoption recognized under Hawaii law, each with its own procedures and requirements:
Involves adopting a child through a licensed adoption agency. These agencies often match prospective parents with children in foster care or infants placed for adoption by birth parents.
Facilitated directly between the birth parents and adoptive parents, often with the assistance of an attorney. This type of adoption still requires court approval and a home study.
A stepparent adopts their spouse’s child. This process is often simpler if the noncustodial parent consents to the adoption or has had their parental rights terminated.
A relative, such as a grandparent, aunt, or uncle, adopts the child. Hawaii law often prioritizes placement with family when appropriate.
Adopting a child from another country. This involves both U.S. immigration law and the laws of the child’s birth country, as well as compliance with Hawaii’s adoption laws.
Prospective adoptive parents must:
Married individuals may adopt jointly or individually, and single individuals can also adopt in Hawaii.
A home study is required for most adoptions (except some stepparent or relative adoptions). This involves:
The home study evaluates the adoptive parent(s)’ ability to provide a nurturing and secure environment for the child.
Once a child is identified and matched (in agency or independent adoptions), or when the necessary consent is given (in stepparent or relative cases), the prospective parents file a Petition for Adoption in Hawaii Family Court.
Required documentation may include:
For an adoption to proceed, the biological parents must consent or the court must terminate their parental rights. In Hawaii, consent is not required if:
A judge will review all paperwork and hear testimony from the adoptive family. If approved, the court will issue a Final Decree of Adoption, granting the adoptive parents full legal rights.
Following finalization:
Adoption costs in Hawaii vary depending on the type of adoption:
Financial assistance and subsidies may be available for families adopting children through foster care or with special needs.
In some cases, Hawaii courts may require post-adoption reports or follow-up home visits—especially for international or agency adoptions.
Adoptive families also benefit from:
Adoption is a beautiful way to provide a loving, permanent home for a child. By understanding the adoption process in Hawaii, you can approach this life-changing journey with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re adopting through an agency, as a stepparent, or from another country, the right legal guidance and preparation are key to a successful outcome.
If you’re ready to begin your adoption journey, speak with an experienced Hawaii family law attorney who can help navigate the legal steps and ensure your rights—and the child’s future—are fully protected.
