Hawaii Child Support Calculator
Calculate estimated child support using Hawaii's official guidelines
About Hawaii's Guidelines
Melson Formula with Hawaii-specific modifications
Note: Ensures minimum self-support reserve before calculating support
Key Information
- •Model: Melson Formula
- •Last Updated: January 15, 2024
Common Deviation Factors
Monthly Income
Melson Formula: Hawaii ensures each parent can meet their own basic needs (self-support reserve) before calculating child support. Income below the reserve threshold may result in a minimum support order.
Children & Custody
Additional Monthly Expenses
Estimates only — not legal advice. Consult a Hawaii family law attorney for official calculations.
Official Hawaii Court Forms
Download official court forms from the Hawaii judiciary website. These are free, legally valid forms for your family court case.
Child Support Forms
Official petitions & worksheets
Modification Forms
Request changes to orders
Financial Disclosure
Income & expense statements
These links go to official Hawaii court websites. Forms are free and provided by the state judiciary.
Hawaii Child Support Guidelines
Hawaii uses the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines (HRS § 576D-7) to determine child support obligations. The Melson Formula is an advanced version of the Income Shares model that first ensures each parent can meet their own basic needs through a self-support reserve before allocating child support. It also provides for a standard of living adjustment when income exceeds basic needs.
Hawaii has several distinctive features in its child support system. Hawaii uses the Melson Formula with tropical-cost-of-living adjustments, resulting in higher self-support reserves. The state factors in Hawaii's notably high cost of living when setting the self-support reserve and basic needs amounts. Hawaii's guidelines include specific provisions for military families stationed in the state.
Hawaii bases calculations on net income — meaning income after mandatory deductions like taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. This gives a more accurate picture of each parent's take-home pay. The self-support reserve in Hawaii is $1,550/month, ensuring the paying parent retains enough income to cover basic living expenses.
How Hawaii Calculates Child Support
Hawaii follows a 6-step process under the Hawaii Child Support Guidelines (HRS § 576D-7):
- 1
Calculate each parent's net income after taxes and mandatory deductions
- 2
Step 1: Subtract the self-support reserve ($1,550) from each parent's net income
- 3
Step 2: From remaining income, calculate each parent's share of the children's basic support needs
- 4
Step 3: Apply the Standard of Living Adjustment (SOLA) to share surplus income with children
- 5
Add shares of childcare and medical expenses
- 6
Apply shared custody adjustments if applicable (128+ overnights)
Income Thresholds & Key Numbers in Hawaii
Self-Support Reserve
$1,550/mo
Shared Custody Threshold
128 nights/yr
35% of overnights
Income Basis
net
Sample Obligation Schedule
| Combined Monthly Income | 1 Child | 2 Children | 3 Children |
|---|---|---|---|
| $2,500 | $350 | $505 | $620 |
| $5,000 | $650 | $940 | $1,155 |
| $8,000 | $950 | $1,375 | $1,690 |
| $12,000 | $1,300 | $1,885 | $2,315 |
* Simplified schedule. Actual amounts may vary based on additional factors.
Custody Time Adjustments in Hawaii
Hawaii recognizes "Joint Physical Custody" when the non-custodial parent has the children for at least 128 overnights per year (approximately 35% of the time). When this threshold is met, the standard child support formula is adjusted to reflect the increased direct expenses borne by both parents.
Under the Melson Formula used in Hawaii, shared custody adjustments apply after the basic needs and standard of living calculations. The formula accounts for duplicated fixed costs (like maintaining two bedrooms) while reducing variable costs proportionally to the time spent with each parent.
Below 128 overnights, Hawaii generally treats the arrangement as a sole custody situation with standard visitation, and no custody time adjustment is applied to the child support calculation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Child Support
Why does Hawaii use the Melson Formula?
What is Hawaii's self-support reserve?
How to Reduce Child Support Costs in Hawaii
While child support is determined by Hawaii's guidelines, there are legitimate ways to ensure your obligation is calculated fairly.
Increase Parenting Time
In Hawaii, more overnights with your children can reduce your support obligation. Document actual time spent and request a formal custody modification if needed.
Ensure Accurate Income Reporting
Both parents' incomes must be reported accurately. Verify that bonuses, overtime, and variable income are averaged correctly over the appropriate period.
Claim All Allowable Deductions
Hawaii allows deductions for items like mandatory retirement contributions, union dues, and health insurance premiums. Make sure all qualifying deductions are included.
Request a Modification When Eligible
If your income has decreased by 15-25% or more, you may qualify for a modification. File promptly — changes are typically not retroactive before the filing date.
Account for Other Children
If you have other children you're legally obligated to support, this can be factored into the calculation as a deduction in most states.
Review Healthcare & Childcare Costs
Ensure shared expenses like health insurance and childcare are divided proportionally. If costs have changed, update the court.
Key Facts About Child Support in Hawaii
Calculation Model
Melson Formula
Guidelines Source
State Statute
Review Frequency
Every 4 Years
Last Updated
January 15, 2024
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