HRS §580-42
How courts decide if a marriage is irretrievably broken
This section explains how a court decides if a marriage is irretrievably broken. If both spouses say it is, or one says so and the other doesn't deny it, the court can decide without a hearing. If one spouse denies it, the court may delay the decision and suggest counseling.
courtsspouses
The statute, as written — [OLD] REPEALED
L 1972, c 11, §2. §580-42 Irretrievable breakdown. (a) If both of the parties by complaint or otherwise have stated under oath or affirmation that the marriage is irretrievably broken, or one of the parties has so stated and the other has not denied it, the court, after hearing, shall make a finding whether the marriage is irretrievably broken. The court, in its discretion, may waive a hearing on an uncontested divorce complaint and admit proof by affidavit. (b) If one of the parties has denied under oath or affirmation that the marriage is irretrievably broken, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including the circumstances that gave rise to the filing of the complaint and the prospect of reconciliation, and shall: (1) Make a finding whether the marriage is irretrievably broken, or (2) Continue the matter for further hearing not less than thirty or more than sixty days later, or as soon thereafter as the matter may be reached on the court's calendar and may suggest to the parties that they seek counseling. At the adjourned hearing, the court shall make a finding whether the marriage is irretrievably broken.
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