Rule 153.Notice to Children.

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

In one sentenceRule 153 makes notice to a child mean a child of 12 or more, with notice otherwise going to the parent, custodian or guardian.

Full Text of Rule 153

Text size

Whenever these Rules authorize notices to be given to a “child”, the word shall be construed to refer to a child 12 years of age or more or as defined by statute. If a child is less than 12 years old, the child's legal parent or parents, custodian or guardian shall receive the notices authorized by these Rules. If the interests of the child and those of the parents appear to conflict, or if neither parent is available, the court shall appoint a guardian ad litem, or counsel, or both, to protect the interests of the child. Such a guardian or counsel shall receive the notices authorized by these Rules.

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

Wherever these rules authorize notices to be given to a child, the word means a child 12 years of age or more, or as a statute defines it. A twelve-year-old gets their own notice.

If the child is under 12, the notices authorized by these rules go to the child legal parent or parents, custodian or guardian instead.

The rule then addresses the situation where the interests of the child and those of the parents appear to conflict, which is the case where routing every notice through the parent stops serving the child. Rule 17(c) supplies the related power to appoint a guardian ad litem for a minor not otherwise represented.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age does a Hawaii child get their own court notice?

Twelve. Where these rules authorize notice to a child, the word refers to a child 12 years of age or more, or as defined by statute.

Who gets notice for a younger child?

The child legal parent or parents, custodian or guardian.

What if the parent and child interests conflict?

The rule addresses that situation, and Rule 17(c) allows appointment of a guardian ad litem for a minor not otherwise represented.

Does a statute override the age?

The rule reads 12 years of age or more, or as defined by statute.

Does the child have to attend?

Rule 152 says the child and a parent should be present at the commencement of hearings except where the child behaviour is not at issue.

Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the official Hawaii Family Court Rules (Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 153). 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: notice to a child hawaii family courtage 12 notice hawaii juvenilehawaii family court rule 153