Bill > HB398

This bill increases compensation rates for court-appointed counsel and guardians ad litem (legal representatives appointed by the court to represent the best interests of children or incapacitated individuals) in Hawaii's family court proceedings. Specifically, the bill raises hourly rates for attorneys from $90 to $150 and for non-attorneys from $60 to $122, covering both in-court and out-of-court services. The maximum allowable fees for different types of cases are also significantly increased: for cases involving child welfare and protection (chapters 346 and 587A), predisposition fees rise from $3,000 to $5,500, and postdisposition review hearing fees increase from $1,000 to $2,000. Similarly, fees for cases involving family law matters like divorce, domestic relations, and reciprocal support (chapters 560, 571, 580, and 584) increase from $3,000 to $5,500. The bill maintains a provision allowing courts to approve payments exceeding these maximums in cases of extraordinary circumstances, ensuring fair compensation for legal representatives. The changes aim to better compensate court-appointed legal professionals and potentially improve the quality of representation in family court proceedings.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=398&year=2025