Opinion ID: 6492470
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: fomal actions in children’s cases

Text: In formal actions, the procedure in children’s cases is defined by HRS section 571-41. See HRS § 571^1 (2006). Unlike informal adjustment, the focus of HRS section 571-41 is not whether informally presented facts “reasonably appear to establish prima facie jurisdiction.” See HRS §§ 571-31.4(a), 571-31.5(a). Rather, HRS section 571-41 focuses on the allegations of a petition filed with the family court. HRS section 571-41(c) provides, in relevant part: Findings of fact by the judge or district family judge of the validity of the allegations in the petition shall be based upon a preponderance of evidence admissible in the trial of civil cases except for petitions alleging the court’s jurisdiction under section 571-11(1) which shall require proof beyond a reasonable doubt in accordance with rules of evidence applicable to criminal eases; provided that no child who is before the court under section 571-11(1) shall have admitted against the child any evidence in violation of the child’s rights secured under the constitution of the United States or the State of Hawaii. HRS § 571-41(c) (emphasis added). As previously stated by this court, “[t]he family court is a court of limited jurisdiction and, as such, derives its authority from the statutes that created it.” In re Doe, 96 Hawai'i 272, 284-85, 30 P.3d 878, 891 (2001) (citing Cleveland v. Cleveland, 57 Haw. 519, 520, 559 P.2d 744, 746 (1977); In re Doe, 86 Hawai'i 517, 520, 950 P.2d 701, 704 (App.1997)). HRS chapter 571 provides the family court with jurisdiction over children under specific circumstances defined by section 571-11. Of relevance to this case, section 571-11(1) and section 571-11(2) provide separate bases for asserting family court jurisdiction with distinct requirements defined by statute.