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Whether you’ve made the decision to file, or you were blindsided by being served with a divorce action, you don’t want to show up to Family Court in Hawaii without a lawyer at your side. Nothing can replace accurate, experienced legal advice and representation. We know that every divorce is different, and Attorney Michael Fayard believes in offering client-focused representation. What does that mean? It means he listens to your whole story to get all the facts, he reviews your options, and then together we pursue your goals.
Call our family law firm today at 808-445-6708 or use our online form to reach out.
We address your needs so you can focus on your family.
Often, when you end up in Hawaii Family Court, you’re going through a stressful time. Sometimes it’s good stress; like seeking an adoption to grow your family and support a young person. Other times, it can be the most stressful situation you have faced—whether a divorce or a temporary restraining order—an experienced, dedicated lawyer can help you take the next steps in your case.
Michael Fayard is an experienced family lawyer on O’ahu. He’s handled a diverse range of contested cases throughout his career, from family to personal injury and criminal law. On the surface, you might not realize how this helps your case. But his wide range of experience means he’s ready for anything. He knows how to investigate and evaluate any case. His thorough preparations allow him to gauge the best way to move forward, get the best possible outcome in your situation, and he has the courtroom experience to make a difference in contested legal matters, such as yours.
Michael was co-counsel representing a maritime worker that was injured when a negligent employee struck him in the head with a bell hammer attached to a crane. Pre-trial offer was $0.00.
SR v. TS, et al. – I represented an elderly client that was the injured and was the victim of fraud and theft by thieves using a forged power of attorney and forged deed. Pre-trial offer was $2,500.00.
Separation can be scary, but you don’t have to deal with the legal issues alone.
One of the most common reasons for going to Family Court is getting a divorce. Your first instinct might be to handle the divorce yourself, also known as pro se. By hiring a lawyer, you have someone to guide you through this process and explain your rights. Michael Fayard will help you make decisions that are best for your family’s future and not based on your momentary hurt, resentment, or anger.
There are many issues you have to address during a divorce, including:
Let Michael help you get a fair outcome for you and your family. Call 808-445-6708 to set up a consultation.
By knowing the different types of divorce, you will feel more confident about making decisions in your case. You will also know more about how the facts in your case apply to the type of divorce you select going forward.
The main difference is between an uncontested and contested divorce. The first means you agree on everything, and it can be completed in a couple of months. The latter type means you disagree on one or several topics and need to reach an agreement through mediation or court.
You don’t need a specific reason to divorce! Hawaii allows for a no-fault divorce based on the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. When you file for the divorce, you don’t have to give the judge any other reason. Talk with Michael Fayard about how to get started with a divorce on O’ahu or a neighboring island.
Are you not quite ready to get divorced? Talk with Michael Fayard about a legal separation. A Hawaii court can approve a separation for up to two years based on an agreement you two come up with. This can be a good choice for spouses who aren’t sure yet. But at the end of two years, you must either reconcile or file for divorce.
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If you, your spouse, or both are in the military, you should work with a divorce attorney who has military experience. Family lawyer Michael Fayard is not only a veteran, he was assigned to JAG. He has and can represent individuals in military hearings. In terms of a divorce, he is familiar with how active duty can complicate proceedings. He’ll help you navigate issues like service of process and appearances when one or both of you can’t be home for a divorce court hearing.
Just because you are part of a contested divorce doesn’t mean you’ll hash everything out in court. Hawaii’s family law judges don’t have time for that. Whenever possible, couples are encouraged to use mediation as a way to resolve their issues. Michael Fayard can represent you through the divorce mediation process.
He’ll talk with you about the options you have under Hawaii family and divorce law. He’ll talk about all the ways you can customize your divorce settlement. For example, you don’t have to settle for a stereotypical child custody arrangement. You and your co-parent can figure out a unique schedule that works best for your children.
Mediation can be intimidating because you have to clearly communicate your needs, actively listen to your soon-to-be-ex, and compromise. But it can be a great way to resolve your differences and get to a better place with your ex. Michael Fayard is experienced in guiding people through this process and helping them use it to their advantage.
For all of the potential advantages of mediation for divorce, it isn’t always the right choice. You should not pursue mediation if you have been the victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or financial abuse by your spouse. It’s also not a practical means of resolution if you or your partner can’t control your emotions or refuse to compromise.
Here are some links you might find helpful in deciding whether you need a lawyer and how to move forward.
Requesting a Restraining Order The Divorce Process Hawaii Family Courts