# Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 3: Rule 3. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION

> Hawaii · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R3

## Section

- **Citation:** Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 3
- **Heading:** Rule 3. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION
- **Jurisdiction:** Hawaii
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Hawaii Rules of Court / Hawai‘i Family Court Rules / Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 3

## Text

A civil action is commenced by filing with the court a complaint, petition, or registration of an out-of-state order, judgment, or decree under HRS Chapter 576B or HRS Chapter 583A. As used in these Rules, A complaint @ includes any initial pleading required by statute such as petitions, but does not include registrations filed under HRS Chapter 576B or HRS Chapter 583A. For cases filed under HRS Chapter 576B or HRS Chapter 583A, the registration of the out-of-state order, judgment, or decree shall constitute the initial pleading. As used in these Rules, A plaintiff @ includes any party initiating a civil action including but not limited to cross-plaintiff(s), petitioner(s), cross-petitioner(s), etc. As used in these Rules, A defendant @ includes any party who is responding to a civil action, including but not limited to cross-defendant(s), respondent(s), cross-respondent(s), etc.

(Amended March 30, 2022, effective April 25, 2022.)

## Nearby sections

- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 1 Rule 1. SCOPE OF RULES; CONSTRUCTION, APPLICATION, AND INTERPRETATION OF RULES; EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC FILING; AUTOMATION.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R1.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 1.1 Rule 1.1. REGISTRATION IN JUDICIARY ELECTRONIC FILING AND SERVICE SYSTEM REQUIRED FOR ATTORNEYS IN CASES MAINTAINED IN JUDICIARY INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R1_1.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 1.2 Rule 1.2. FAMILY COURT CASES MAINTAINED IN JIMS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R1_2.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 1.3 Rule 1.3. CLASSIFICATION OF ACTIONS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R1_3.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 2 Rule 2. CIVIL ACTION](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R2.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 2.1 Rule 2.1. COMPLIANCE WITH RULES](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R2_1.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 3 Rule 3. COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R3.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 4 Rule 4. PROCESS](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R4.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 5 Rule 5. FILING AND SERVICE OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS ON PARTIES.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R5.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 5.1 Rule 5.1. SERVICE OF JUDGMENTS, DECREES, OR ORDERS BY ATTORNEYS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R5_1.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 5.2 Rule 5.2. NOTICE IN PROCEEDING RELATING TO CHILD IN FOSTER CARE.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R5_2.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 6 Rule 6. TIME](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R6.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 7 Rule 7. PLEADINGS ALLOWED](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R7.md)
- [Haw. Fam. Ct. R. 7.1 Rule 7.1. FORM AND FORMATTING OF PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND OTHER DOCUMENTS.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R7_1.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_HI_HFCR_R3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.