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HRS §584A-607

How courts decide who a child's parents are

When two or more people claim to be a child's parent, the court decides based on what is best for the child. The court looks at the child's age, how long each person acted as a parent, the relationship, and the harm of not recognizing it. If genetic tests are challenged, the court also considers when the person found out and how long they waited.

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The statute, as written — Adjudicating competing claims of parentage

(a) Except as otherwise provided by law, in a proceeding to adjudicate competing claims of, or challenges under section 584A-601, 584A-602, 584A-603, 584A-604, 584A-605, or 584A-606 to, parentage of a child by two or more individuals, the court shall adjudicate parentage in the best interest of the child, based on: (1) The age of the child; (2) The length of time during which each individual assumed the role of parent of the child; (3) The nature of the relationship between the child and each individual; (4) The harm to the child if the relationship between the child and each individual is not recognized; (5) The basis for each individual's claim to parentage of the child; and (6) Other equitable factors arising from the disruption of the relationship between the child and each individual or the likelihood of other harm to the child. (b) If an individual challenges parentage based on the results of genetic testing, in addition to the factors listed in subsection (a), the court shall consider: (1) The facts surrounding the discovery that the individual might not be a genetic parent of the child; and (2) The length of time between the time that the individual was placed on notice that the individual might not be a genetic parent and the commencement of the proceeding. (c) The court may adjudicate a child to have more than two parents under this chapter if the court finds that failure to recognize more than two parents would be detrimental to the child. A finding of detriment to the child shall not require a finding of unfitness of any parent or individual seeking an adjudication of parentage. In determining detriment to the child, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including the harm if the child is removed from a stable placement with an individual who has fulfilled the child's physical needs and psychological needs for care and affection and has assumed the role for a substantial period.
Read the official text at capitol.hawaii.gov ↗as published Jan 6, 2026our copy taken Aug 20, 2026

Sections this one refers to

§584A-601 When a court can decide if an alleged genetic parent is the legal parent

LawTrove is not legal advice. The summary above is a computer-generated restatement — the authoritative text is the official version linked above.