Rule 20.Permissive Joinder of Parties.

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

In one sentenceRule 20 lets people join one action where the relief concerns property ownership or an issue about a child, and lets the court order separate trials to prevent prejudice.

Full Text of Rule 20

Text sizeJump to: (a) (b)

(a) (a) Permissive joinder. All persons may join or be joined in one action as parties concerning any right to relief jointly, severally, or in the alternative, in respect of or arising out of property ownership or an issue as to parentage, custody, visitation, support, placement, or treatment of a child.

(b) (b) Separate trials. The court may make such orders as will prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense by the inclusion of a party against whom the party asserts no claim and who asserts no claims against the party, and may order separate trials or make other orders to prevent delay or prejudice.

End

Amendment History

(Amended March 30, 2022, effective April 25, 2022.)

Plain-English Summary

The permissive joinder rule here is narrower than its civil counterpart and its boundaries are drawn around family court subject matter. People may join or be joined in one action over any right to relief, jointly, severally or in the alternative, in respect of or arising out of property ownership, or an issue as to parentage, custody, visitation, support, placement or treatment of a child.

That list is the gateway. A claim that does not touch property ownership or one of the child-related issues does not support permissive joinder under this rule, which keeps unrelated disputes out of a case about a family.

The second subdivision protects a party dragged along by someone else dispute. The court may make orders preventing a party from being embarrassed, delayed or put to expense by the inclusion of a party against whom it asserts no claim and who asserts none against it, and may order separate trials or other measures to prevent delay or prejudice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can parties join in one Hawaii family court action?

Where the right to relief concerns property ownership, or an issue as to parentage, custody, visitation, support, placement or treatment of a child.

Can unrelated claims be joined?

Not under this rule. Joinder is tied to property ownership or one of the listed child-related issues.

What if I am joined in a dispute that has nothing to do with me?

The court may make orders to prevent you being embarrassed, delayed or put to expense, and may order separate trials.

Does joinder have to be joint?

No. The rule allows relief claimed jointly, severally, or in the alternative.

Is misjoinder a reason to dismiss?

No. Rule 21 says misjoinder of parties is not ground for dismissal.

Source & verification. The rule text is reproduced verbatim from the official Hawaii Family Court Rules (Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 20). Prescribed by the Supreme Court of Hawaii. The plain-English summary is original and written by us. Last verified September 11, 2026. · Official source

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