Most people probably are not aware of the fact that a Hawaii judgment originally issued by a Hawaii court has an expiration date. Therefore, it is in the best interest of the judgment creditor to act upon the judgment as soon as possible so that he/she does not lose out on the opportunity to collect on the judgment.
Hawaii law provides that unless an extension is granted, every judgment and decree of any court of the State shall be presumed to be paid and discharged at the expiration of ten years after the judgment or decree was rendered. No action shall be commenced after the expiration of ten years from the date a judgment or decree was rendered unless extended.
An extension of the judgment may be granted if the extension is sought within ten years of the date the original judgment or decree was rendered. An extension will be granted only when: (1) there is notice; and (2) a non-hearing or hearing motion is filed to extend the life of the judgment or decree.
A court will not extend any judgment or decree beyond twenty years from the date of the original judgment or decree.
Obtaining a valid judgment against a debtor is one matter, collecting on it is another matter. There are a number of issues that you will need to consider when attempting to enforce a judgment in Hawaii.
Contact us and, as your Hawaii attorneys, we can guide you through this processes.