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A Hands-On Approach To Divorce And Family Law

Last updated on April 14, 2026

Whether you live on Oahu, Honolulu or one of its neighboring islands, you may need help with a legal issue involving your family. After decades of serving families in Hawaii and beyond, our Honolulu family law lawyers, paralegals, and clerical professionals look forward to assisting you through our “hands-on” approach. When you discuss your Hawaii family law case with one of our Honolulu family law attorneys at Coates Frey & Hackett, AAL LLLC, you can be assured that your case will be handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Call our Honolulu family law attorneys today at 808-379-3538 or contact us online.

About Our Hawaii Family Law Firm

Family law encompasses a variety of matters concerning Hawaii’s families. Some of the Hawaii family law matters our Honolulu family lawyers continue to successfully help our clients with include the following:

Divorce: The process of legally dissolving your marital relationship involves technical legal obligations that should be handled by an attorney to ensure they’re completed correctly and in your best interests, including dividing your marital property and properly allocating your marital debts, determining whether one should pay spousal support to the other, resolving child custody and support issues, and more.
Child custody: Finalizing legal and physical custody decisions is made simpler with a Honolulu family law attorney who can help you draft appropriate documents designed and intended to protect your children while reflecting the mutual agreements of both parents.
Premarital agreements: Our Honolulu family lawyers are available to help couples identify and allocate their assets and debts before they marry to best ensure that each party retains ownership of his/her property going into the marriage, and if necessary, upon divorce.
Spousal abuse and temporary restraining orders: Our attorneys recognize the strength and courage involved in deciding to file for a TRO and are available to our clients to handle the process for you with speed and discretion. Your safety is our priority.
Guardianship: Designating a guardian for a minor or incapacitated adult is a process that requires thoughtful consideration. Our Honolulu family law attorneys care for your family like they are our own, and as such, devote the necessary time to ensure your loved ones get a guardian to help them continue living the best life possible going forward.

Whatever it is you’re facing, our Honolulu family lawyers are armed with the relevant legal knowledge and courtroom experience to help you from start to finish.

To schedule a complimentary initial consultation, call 808-379-3538 or complete our simple contact form to speak with a Hawaii family law attorney.

How We Can Help You

We take the time to build the strongest case we can in any area of work we take. When clients come to us for help, they can expect premier legal services in matters such as:

For every client we represent, we uphold our philosophy in all of our work.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is based on the beloved Hawaiian aloha spirit. We pride ourselves on our character. Beyond their legal prowess, our attorneys were hired for being kind, courteous and thoughtful “people people,” which is evident in our book on divorce.

Our goal is to provide cost- and time-effective legal assistance to families in our community. We welcome our clients as our family. We treat you with the respect and kindness you deserve and fight for results and settlements that best serve you.

Meet Our Team

Every member of our team is committed to helping our clients earn the outcome they deserve in their family law and divorce needs. When you choose us to represent you, you can expect the compassion and dedication you deserve from our team here:

P. Gregory Frey Senior Attorney
Shannon Kim Hackett Managing Attorney
Paul W. Soenksen Senior Counsel
Bradley A. Coates (Retired) Founder, Author of “Divorce With Decency”
Justin Y.D. Tsai Associate Attorney

Every member of our team is ready to help you through your legal needs by crafting creative and out-of-the-box strategies for your best interests.

Questions And Answers On Hawaii Family Law

When navigating a divorce or associated family issues in Hawaii, questions and concerns often arise. Families navigating these sensitive matters need clear knowledge of how Hawaii courts handle key decisions. The answers to some of the most common questions can provide insight and clarity for families dealing with family law procedures.

What is the difference between contested and uncontested divorce?

A contested divorce arises when spouses disagree on crucial issues such as child custody, support or marital property. Court involvement is usually necessary to resolve disputes. An uncontested divorce occurs when both spouses agree on all matters and submit a settlement for approval, allowing the case to move more efficiently and with fewer procedural steps.

How long does the divorce process typically take in Hawaii?

The length of a Hawaii divorce depends on the complexity of the issues and the level of agreement between spouses. Uncontested cases may conclude within a few months, while contested matters can extend longer due to discovery, hearings and the need for judicial decisions on disputed topics.

How is “equitable distribution” applied to property division in Hawaii?

Equitable distribution means the court divides marital property in a manner it considers fair based on the circumstances of the marriage. Judges may evaluate factors such as the duration of the marriage, each spouse’s financial resources, contributions to the household and future economic needs. This assessment allows the court to tailor the division of marital property to the specific situation.

What makes a “military divorce” different from a civilian one?

Military divorces must follow Hawaii law, along with federal rules that affect service members and their families. Issues such as residency requirements, military pension division, deployment-related parenting schedules and protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act can influence both the process and the timing of the case.

Can I modify a court order for child support or alimony later on?

Modifications are allowed in Hawaii when a substantial and continuing change in circumstances occurs. Examples include a significant income shift or a change in a child’s needs. The court will review the updated information to determine whether adjusting the existing order is appropriate and consistent with the state’s legal standards.

Meet With Our Team Today

If you are ready to help you through your family law and divorce needs, choose a law firm that you can trust to stand up for you. Call us at 808-379-3538 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation today.