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Rule 139.Contents of Summons.

Current through July 1, 2026 · Last verified September 11, 2026

In one sentenceRule 139 lets the court endorse a summons directing the server to take the child into custody where the child welfare requires it.

Full Text of Rule 139

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If it appears from the petition and such investigation as has been made that the child is in such condition or surroundings that the child’s welfare requires that the child be taken into custody, the court may order, by endorsement upon the summons, that the person serving the summons take the child into custody. A summons so endorsed shall be served by a police officer, a probation officer, or any other person therein authorized to take the child into custody.
End

Amendment History

The Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s compiled text of this rule carries no amendment order for this rule. For the adopting orders and any later amendments, see the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary’s rules page.

Plain-English Summary

Where it appears from the petition and whatever investigation has been made that the child is in a condition or in surroundings requiring that the child be taken into custody for their welfare, the court may order it by endorsement on the summons itself.

The standard is the child welfare, and the finding rests on the petition plus the investigation, which in a detention case is the report Rule 134 requires.

Service of an endorsed summons is restricted to the categories the rule names, beginning with a police officer and a probation officer. An ordinary process server does not take a child into custody.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can a summons order a child taken into custody in Hawaii?

Where it appears from the petition and the investigation made that the child condition or surroundings require it for the child welfare.

How is that ordered?

By endorsement upon the summons.

Who serves an endorsed summons?

The categories the rule names, beginning with a police officer and a probation officer, rather than any process server.

What happens after the child is taken into custody?

Rule 131 requires notice to the child and the family, and Rule 135 sets the detention hearing on the necessity for detention.

What investigation supports the order?

Such investigation as has been made. In a detention case Rule 134 requires a written report covering five specific questions.

Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the official Hawaii Family Court Rules (Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 139). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Hawaii. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 11, 2026. · Official source
Also known as: endorsed summons hawaii juveniletaking a child into custody hawaiihawaii family court rule 139