HB 565 Summary

• Grants exclusive original jurisdiction in divorce matters to the family court of the circuit where the applicant is domiciled at the time the application is filed.

• Removes the requirement that a person be domiciled or physically present in Hawaii for a continuous period of at least six months before obtaining a divorce.

• Maintains the existing three-month domicile or physical presence requirement for annulment and separation matters.

• Clarifies that family court jurisdiction over divorce proceedings applies equally to civil unions entered into or recognized in Hawaii.

• Takes effect on July 1, 3021.