Establishing Paternity in Hawaii
How paternity is established in Hawaii: the voluntary acknowledgment form, court orders, genetic testing and deadlines.
Short answer: Hawaii's parentage law was replaced in 2025 by a new Uniform Parentage Act (chapter 584A). The person who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent (or a presumed or intended parent) may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, under oath and witnessed; Haw. Rev. Stat. §§ 584A-401, 584A-402, 584A-403, 584A-702
| Establishing paternity | Hawaii's parentage law was replaced in 2025 by a new Uniform Parentage Act (chapter 584A). The person who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent (or a presumed or intended parent) may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, under oath and witnessed; birthing hospitals and centers, midwives, the Child Support Enforcement Agency and the Department of Health offer the form around the time of birth, and completed forms go to the Department of Health. A signed acknowledgment is a legal finding of parentage, but a signer may rescind within 60 days of signing or before an administrative or court proceeding about the child to which the signer is a party, whichever is sooner. After 60 days it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court parentage case, the court must order genetic testing when a party's sworn statement supports the request. Former chapter 584 was repealed by L 2025, c 298. |
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Where to get help in Hawaii
More Hawaii divorce & family law
- Getting a Marriage License in Hawaii
- Adopting a Child in Hawaii
- Guardianship of a Child or Adult in Hawaii
- Changing Your Name in Hawaii
- Child Custody Laws in Hawaii
- How Child Support Is Calculated in Hawaii
- Divorce Records in Hawaii
- Alimony and Spousal Support in Hawaii
- How to File for Divorce in Hawaii
- Legal Separation and Annulment in Hawaii
- All Hawaii divorce & family law rules
FAQ
How do you establish paternity in Hawaii?
Hawaii's parentage law was replaced in 2025 by a new Uniform Parentage Act (chapter 584A). The person who gave birth and an alleged genetic parent (or a presumed or intended parent) may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of parentage, under oath and witnessed; birthing hospitals and centers, midwives, the Child Support Enforcement Agency and the Department of Health offer the form around the time of birth, and completed forms go to the Department of Health. A signed acknowledgment is a legal finding of parentage, but a signer may rescind within 60 days of signing or before an administrative or court proceeding about the child to which the signer is a party, whichever is sooner. After 60 days it can be challenged in court only for fraud, duress or material mistake of fact. In a court parentage case, the court must order genetic testing when a party's sworn statement supports the request.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.