Family Law

• Divorce
  We are a Hawaii law firm focusing in the areas of divorce and family law, and staffed with experienced and dedicated attorneys.  Since 1995 we have helped thousands of people throughout Hawaii with their legal problems, and would be happy to speak with you about your legal issues. Choosing a lawyer can be a difficult process during an already difficult time. We offer lawyers who are friendly, approachable, and can explain your legal options to you in plain, simple language.
• Child Support
  Gavin, a founding partner of Doi/Luke, was born and reared in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, graduating from McKinley High School, and receiving his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Reed College in Portland, Oregon.  He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver College of Law in Denver, Colorado. Previously, Gavin worked with the Child Support Enforcement Agency and the AmeriCorps Domestic Violence Clinic.  An advocate of pro bono legal work, Gavin volunteers time with Volunteer Legal Services Hawaii and the Hawai’i State Bar Association.
• Child Custody and Visitation
  Child custody and child visitation are among the most stressful issues that people face in family law.  You’ll find information and links on our site that may help you figure out your direction about child custody and visitation in Hawaii.
• Adoption
• Paternity
  Both of these terms refer to actions taken AFTER a final divorce or paternity order has been entered. The final order in a divorce case is typically entitled a “Divorce Decree” or “Decree Granting Absolute Divorce,” while the final order in a paternity case is usually called a “Judgment.” These final orders are not absolutely final, however – post-divorce/paternity actions can be used in either modifying or enforcing Court orders in Hawaii.
• Premarital Agreement
  Prenuptial agreements (also called premarital agreements) are excellent tools for couples to plan  for their lives if their marriage does not work out.  The lawyers at Doi/Luke are located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and have handled numerous shapes and sizes of marital agreements over 25+ years.
• Guardianship
  Not being held in person.  Specifically, parties and attorneys are instructed to not appear in person at the courthouses. Rather, most hearings and conferences are held primarily by Webex, a videoconference program (Oahu and Maui), or Zoom (Kauai and Hawaii Island).  Both Webex and Zoom have versions as phone apps and desktop/laptop programs.  Parties and attorneys will typically receive the Webex/Zoom videoconference link from the Court a short time prior to their hearing (typically between a few hours and a couple of days prior).  The hearings that are taking place in-person are primarily TROs, initial Child Welfare Service hearings, emergency guardianships, and most full
• Spousal Support
  Alimony in Hawaii, also referred to as SPOUSAL SUPPORT or SPOUSAL MAINTENANCE, is an amount of money which the Family Court has ordered one divorcing spouse to pay to the other. Typically, this was support paid from a husband to wife, however there is nothing restricting an alimony claim by a husband to receive support from his wife. In the past, alimony, particularly wives receiving support from husbands, was fairly commonplace. In more modern times however, the family courts around the country have scaled back on awards of alimony.
• Legal Separation
  Separation: in divorce terms, either the physical moving into different residences by spouses (physical separation), or a court-ordered legal status (legal separation).
• Annulment
  Annulment: a legal process which voids a marriage.  Unlike divorce which ends the marriage, annulment essentially declares that in the eyes of the law, the marriage did not exist.  Only granted on a very, very narrow set of grounds; thus very few annulments are granted each year in Hawaii.
• Child Abuse
  Child Welfare Services (“CWS”): a State of Hawaii branch often referred to by their old name of Child Protective Services (“CPS”), directed to maintain child safety.  In cases of alleged child abuse or neglect, CWS is the State entity that will bring the case to Family Court.

Criminal Law

• Criminal Defense
  Honolulu District Court is located at 1111 Alakea Street ( see map ), which is located on the corner of Alakea and Hotel Streets, just one block Ewa of the State Capitol.  Some Family Court matters are heard at the District Court:  FC-CR, or Family Court criminal matters (TRO violations and abuse of household members) are on the 8th floor.  District Court or “civil” TROs are heard on the 10th floor.
• Juvenile Crimes
  All divorces, paternities, restraining orders, juvenile matters (CPS and juvenile crime hearings), adoptions, and guardianships (guardianships of the
• Restraining Order
  Getting a TRO against someone.  Getting a TRO filed against you.  Both situations are highly stressful.  You’ll find information and links on our site that may help you figure out your options. Doi/Luke, Islandlawyers is located in Honolulu, Hawaii, and we have handled countless temporary restraining order cases over the last 25+ years.

Property Law

• Property Damage
  Persons in these relationships can apply for a restraining order due to physical abuse, emotional abuse, and/or malicious property damage committed against them by the other party.

Trusts and Estates

• Estate Planning
• Probate

Finance Law

• Bankruptcy
• Tax Law
  Divorce decree: a court document, setting forth a divorce between two parties; typically will contain orders regarding the issues between the parties — alimony, child custody/visitation/support, division of assets, division of debts, handling of tax matters, and other issues.