Abandonment of property (real estate or personal property) is a legal concept in property law, but has little application in the context of divorce or family law. For example, a spouse or domestic partner does not forfeit an ownership interest in the shared home or any of its contents by moving out of the home. But moving out of the marital or shared home may impact the court’s decision on who may occupy the home while the divorce is pending, and a person should consult with an attorney before making this decision.

A person moving out of the shared home under such circumstances should also be prepared to have limited access to the home and its contents—at least until the court issues an order granting the person access to secure personal property and documents.

In Hawaii, the concept of abandonment of property typically refers to the relinquishment of rights or interest in property without transferring them to someone else, and it is more commonly associated with real estate or personal property law rather than family law. However, in the context of divorce or family law, a spouse or domestic partner does not lose their ownership interest in the shared home or its contents simply by moving out. Nevertheless, the decision to move out can influence the court's interim decisions regarding who may reside in the home during the divorce proceedings. It is important for a person considering moving out to consult with an attorney to understand the implications of such a decision. Once a person has moved out, they may face restricted access to the home and its contents until a court order is issued to allow them to retrieve personal belongings and documents.