Mediation is not routinely required for a contested divorce in Hawaii; however, the court may order mediation to resolve custody, visitation or support issues for children. 


When one spouse asserts that there has not been an irretrievable breakdown of the marriage, the court may advise the spouses to seek counseling, while delaying the proceedings for 60 days. [Hawaii Revised Statutes; 580-42].

Parenting classes are required for a divorcing family. Both divorcing parents and their children between the ages of 6 and 18 must attend the Kids First program and view the video entitled “The Purple Family.”