It's not every day that a legal seminar becomes a cause for celebration. Yet, in Hawaiʻi, a free public education program called Divorce Law in Hawaiʻi has hit 300 sessions, and the recognition is rolling in. At a recent ceremony, Chief Justice Mark E. Recktenwald honored Family law attorney William C. Darrah and The Mediation Center of the Pacific’s Executive Director Tracey S. Wiltgen for this community milestone, as reported by the Courts of the State of Hawaiʻi. With 94% of divorce cases seeing at least one self-represented party, the program's value in the archipelago state is more than clear.
According to Chief Justice Recktenwald, who led the charge to increase access to justice, the majority of divorce cases in the state involve parties without the means to afford legal representation. He emphasized the importance of the Divorce Law in Hawaiʻi program in addressing this gap. "The impact Divorce Law in Hawaiʻi has had is immeasurable," he told the Courts of the State of Hawaiʻi. Darrah, one of the program's spearheads, echoed the sentiment, remarking on the program's contributions over 23 years in helping minimize conflict and expense during divorces.
The program has changed a lot since it began in January 2002, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when it moved from in-person seminars to Zoom. This shift wasn’t just for safety—it also opened access to people worldwide, not just those on Oʻahu. As a result, attendance tripled, with monthly seminars covering legal steps, custody issues, property division, and support during divorce, as per the Courts of the State of Hawai'i.
Divorce Law in Hawaiʻi doesn't just lay out the legal land; it also promotes mediation as a cost-effective and low-stress option. According to Wiltgen, who received accolades alongside Darrah, the seminars empower people to take control of their divorces. Ensuring couples possess the knowledge to navigate the waters of separation amicably, Wiltgen noted to the Courts of the State of Hawai'i, "Every time we present, the feedback from people is they feel a little more powerful."
Those interested in learning how to handle divorce proceedings with less conflict can find more information and register for upcoming seminars at the Courts of the State of Hawaiʻi website. Remember to mark your calendars: sessions are held once a month, from noon to 1 p.m., with Q&A opportunities with Darrah and Wiltgen. While the information provided is a valuable resource, the Hawaiʻi State Judiciary issues a disclaimer on its accuracy or completeness, clarifying it should not be mistaken for specific legal advice.
