Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
1. What should I expect?
You will answer questions in an interview format and your answers will be used to fill in legal documents or Hawaii court approved forms relevant to your court case. Once you click the link to the form you need, you will be taken to our partnering site, LawHelp Interactive, to complete the interview for the interactive forms. At the end of the interview, you will "submit" your answers, wait for your documents to be assembled, and then download your documents for printing. Instructions about what to do next will be included in your printed form packet.
2. Why should I sign up for a username and password on the server?
Signing up for a user-name and password allows you to save your answers. Your answers are stored on a secure, encrypted server and are not accessible to anyone but you, unless you have shared your username and password. If you do not want to register for an account, you can go directly to the form, but remember you cannot save any of your work in the online system.
3. What is the LawHelp Interative project?
LawHelp Interactive is our partner web site that makes these interviews run on the web. The LawHelp Interactive server was donated by Lexis Nexis to Legal Service programs throughout the US to host online documents for low-income individuals. This server hosts all of the Hawaii interactive court forms. It is an encrypted, secure server. The LawHelp Interactive project is designed to help individuals representing themselves in court complete the forms they need easily and accurately online.
4. What should I know about representing myself in court?
It is always advisable to talk to a lawyer before proceeding in a court case on your own. When you represent yourself in court you are held to the same standards as an attorney. Your preparation, paperwork, and your conduct at all hearings must comply with court rules and orders. Even if you do not hire a lawyer to appear in your case, a lawyer can give you information about your rights. Read this brochure to learn How to Represent Yourself.
5. Where can I find an attorney if I decide I need one?
You can call Legal Aid's intake hotline at (808)527-8036 (Oahu) or 1-800-499-4302 (Neighbor Islands) to apply for legal services. If you are not low-income or qualified for Legal Aid services you can visit the Hawaii State Bar's Lawyer Referral Service web site for information on how to locate an attorney.