The Hawaii Supreme Court has dismissed a motion for reconsideration filed by David Michael Bloch in a family law case involving his ex-wife, Annette Bloch. The court's decision, issued on June 12, 2026, marks a significant step in the ongoing legal dispute between the two parties.
This ruling affects the couple's divorce proceedings and highlights the court's stance on motions for reconsideration under the Hawaiʻi Rules of Appellate Procedure. The dismissal of the motion means that the previous decisions made by the Intermediate Court of Appeals will stand, impacting the resolution of the Blochs' divorce case.
David Michael Bloch filed his motion on June 5, 2026, seeking to have the court reconsider its earlier rulings. However, the Hawaii Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Vladimir P. Devens and Justices Sabrina S. McKenna, Todd W. Eddins, Lisa M. Ginoza, and Circuit Judge Stephanie R.S. Char, found no grounds to grant the request.
Background
The parties involved in this case are Annette Bloch and David Michael Bloch, who are engaged in a divorce proceeding. The dispute has gone through various levels of the court system, culminating in the Hawaii Supreme Court. Details about the specific issues in the divorce case, such as asset division or child custody, were not available in the court filing.
The case reached the Hawaii Supreme Court after David Michael Bloch sought to challenge earlier decisions made by the Intermediate Court of Appeals. His motion for reconsideration was a last attempt to alter the court's prior rulings. The court's dismissal indicates that the justices found no merit in his arguments for reconsideration.
The Ruling
The Hawaii Supreme Court ruled to dismiss David Michael Bloch’s motion for reconsideration. The court stated, "Petitioner/Defendant-Appellant David Michael Bloch’s motion requesting reconsideration filed on June 5, 2026, is dismissed." This ruling reinforces the earlier decisions made by the Intermediate Court of Appeals, which had already addressed the issues raised by Bloch.
The court emphasized the adherence to the Hawaiʻi Rules of Appellate Procedure, specifically Rule 40.1(h), which governs the process for motions for reconsideration. The justices' decision reflects a commitment to maintaining the integrity of the appellate process and ensuring that motions are appropriately grounded in legal reasoning.
Impact
The dismissal of the motion for reconsideration has significant implications for both parties. It means that the earlier rulings from the Intermediate Court of Appeals will remain in effect, potentially affecting the division of assets, custody arrangements, or other aspects of the divorce proceedings. The decision reinforces the importance of following procedural rules in appellate courts and may discourage future motions that lack substantive legal basis.
This ruling could also serve as a precedent for similar cases in Hawaii, where parties may seek reconsideration of appellate decisions. The court's clear stance on the requirements for such motions may lead to more careful consideration by litigants before filing similar requests in the future.
What's Next
Details about any potential appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing. However, it is important to note that the dismissal of a motion for reconsideration typically concludes the appellate process for that specific issue. David Michael Bloch may have limited options moving forward unless new grounds for appeal arise.