Court fees got a bit higher yesterday when the state Judiciary’s rules went into effect July 1. The passage of Senate Bill 1134 authorized new filing fees for civil cases to “upgrade and modernize its antiquated case management information systems,”
Court fees got a bit higher yesterday when the state Judiciary’s rules went into effect July 1.
The passage of Senate Bill 1134 authorized new filing fees for civil cases to “upgrade and modernize its antiquated case management information systems,” stated a written report from that office.
In district courts, a $20 fee is paid for all civil cases, with exceptions:
- cases brought forth by the state, counties or any political subdivisions;
- petitions for harassment restraining orders; and
- small claims cases.
A $50 fee for probate, divorce, paternity and adoption cases will not be charged for cases brought forth by the State of Hawaii, counties or political offices.
People subject to domestic abuse, abuse of family or household members, stalking and/or sexual harassment do not have to pay fees associated with a protection order, petition for a protective order, warrant, or witness subpoena, under Act 65, which Governor Linda Lingle signed into law April 30.
Also, a parent education surcharge was raised from $35 to $50 under Act 41, also signed by Lingle April 30. The law states that parents with minor children who are getting a divorce must pay.
Lastly, a law to take effect next Jan. 1 states that people who are convicted and sentenced to probation under the new “habitual offender” intoxicated driving law, will pay $25 for a neurotrauma assessment.
Fees may be waived by the court for good cause,’ such as financial hardship.
