Business Details
21 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Honolulu Family Law Partner
Smith & Sturdivant has been a trusted name in Hawaii family law since 2005, dedicated to guiding clients through complex legal challenges with compassion and expertise. Our team, led by founding attorney Justin L. Sturdivant, brings decades of combined experience in divorce, child custody, adoption, and other family law matters. We pride ourselves on transparent communication, personalized representation, and a deep understanding of the emotional and legal nuances involved in family disputes.Our attorneys have served as mediators, custody evaluators, and guardians ad litem, providing unparalleled insight into Hawaii's family court system. With a focus on achieving amicable resolutions while fiercely advocating for clients' rights, we offer free consultations to help families navigate their legal journeys confidently. Our commitment to excellence has earned us consistent recognition from clients and peers alike.
Services
Divorce
Child Custody
Adoption
Child Support
Restraining Orders
Mediation
Paternity
Guardianship
Step-Parent Adoption
Relocation Cases
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of combined experience in Hawaii family law
- Transparent communication with no unanswered questions
- Personalized legal strategies for each client's unique needs
- Proven success in complex divorce and custody cases
- Founding attorney with dual mediation and custody evaluation expertise
What people say
Exceptional support
Straightforward guidance
Fair fees
Timely results
Compassionate representation
Services
Divorce Representation
Our Honolulu divorce attorneys handle contested and uncontested cases with expertise in property division, alimony, and child-related matters. We guide clients through Hawaii's no-fault divorce process while protecting their financial and parental rights. With over 16 years of experience, we combine courtroom readiness with negotiation skills to achieve favorable outcomes while minimizing emotional distress for all family members.
Child Custody
We advocate for clients in physical and legal custody determinations, including joint custody arrangements and relocation cases. Our attorneys understand Hawaii's child-centered approach to custody decisions. We help parents develop workable parenting plans while preparing for potential litigation. Our team's experience as custody evaluators provides unique insight into presenting compelling cases that prioritize children's best interests.
Adoption Services
Our firm guides families through Hawaii's adoption process for stepparent, guardianship, and private adoptions. We handle all necessary legal documentation and court appearances while addressing potential challenges like parental consent issues. With experience in complex adoption cases, we ensure compliance with state regulations while making this life-changing process as smooth as possible for prospective parents.
Child Support
We assist clients with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders in accordance with Hawaii's guidelines. Our attorneys address income verification, expense calculations, and custody arrangement impacts. We represent clients in support hearings while explaining how factors like parental income changes affect payment requirements. Our goal is ensuring fair financial arrangements that meet children's needs.
Restraining Orders
We provide urgent legal protection for clients facing domestic abuse through emergency restraining orders. Our team explains the legal requirements for obtaining protection orders and represents clients in related hearings. We handle both temporary and long-term orders while addressing associated family law matters. Our approach balances immediate safety needs with potential impacts on custody and support arrangements.
People
Justin L. Sturdivant
Founding Attorney
Justin Sturdivant, a University of Hawaii law graduate, has practiced family law since 2005. His experience includes mediation, custody evaluation, and civil litigation. He combines technical legal expertise with compassionate client support, focusing on protecting family interests in divorce, custody, and adoption cases.
Daniel E. Pollard
Attorney
Daniel Pollard brings dedicated legal advocacy to family law cases, working closely with clients to understand their unique situations. He focuses on achieving practical solutions while maintaining strong courtroom preparedness. His practice covers all aspects of family law litigation and negotiation processes.
Questions
What makes Smith & Sturdivant different from other family law firms?
Our attorneys combine courtroom experience with mediation expertise, offering practical solutions tailored to Hawaii's unique family law landscape while maintaining personalized client attention.
Do I need a lawyer for an uncontested divorce?
While not legally required, our guidance ensures proper documentation, protects your rights, and prevents future complications in even seemingly straightforward divorce cases.
How are child custody decisions made in Hawaii?
Courts prioritize children's best interests, considering factors like parental stability, child preferences (when age-appropriate), and existing care arrangements. We help present compelling cases for custody arrangements.
Can child support be modified after divorce finalization?
Yes, significant changes in income, custody arrangements, or children's needs can justify modifications. We assist with filing petitions and presenting evidence to support modification requests.
What immediate steps should I take when seeking a restraining order?
Contact our office immediately for urgent guidance. We'll help document incidents, prepare necessary filings, and represent you in emergency hearings to obtain protective orders.
