Marriage—also known as matrimony or wedlock—is the legal and cultural process by which two people join their separate lives as one. The contractual rights and obligations of the parties to a marriage are generally defined by the state, as provided in the state’s statutes (often in the family code), unless otherwise agreed by the parties in a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. Marriage is intended to last until death, but is often terminated sooner by separation or divorce.
In Hawaii, marriage is recognized as a legal union between two individuals, which confers upon them certain rights, responsibilities, and obligations as defined by state law. The Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) Title 31 governs the family and outlines the legal requirements for marriage, including age, consent, and licensing. Couples may also enter into prenuptial or postnuptial agreements to alter or specify the terms of their marriage contract, particularly regarding property and financial matters. While marriage is intended to be a lifelong commitment, the state of Hawaii provides legal mechanisms for separation or divorce, allowing the dissolution of marriage under certain conditions as set forth in the HRS. These processes are managed through the family courts, which address issues such as asset division, alimony, child custody, and support.