Detailed Answer

Short answer: If your sibling claims you mismanaged estate assets because you sold your father’s car, the claim can trigger a probate accounting, a civil lawsuit for breach of fiduciary duty or conversion, a request to remove you as personal representative (if you hold that role), or a demand for restitution. What happens next depends on whether you had legal authority to sell the car, how you handled the sale proceeds, and whether the car was actually estate property.

Was the car estate property or yours already?

Begin by clarifying ownership. Common situations:

If the car was titled solely in your father’s name and belonged to his estate, it is an estate asset.
If the car was jointly owned with right of survivorship or had a transfer-on-death designation, it may have passed automatically and not become part of the estate.
If your father verbally or in writing gave the car to you before death, or you can show longstanding exclusive ownership, that may affect the analysis.

Did you have authority to sell it?

Authority depends on whether you were the appointed personal representative (executor/administrator) and whether you followed probate rules. A personal representative generally has authority to gather, manage, and, if necessary, sell estate property for estate administration. But that authority is governed by Hawaii probate law and the probate court’s orders.

If you were not the personal representative and you sold estate property without court authority, beneficiaries can claim conversion or unauthorized disposition.

What can a sibling do?

Possible actions by a sibling who believes you mismanaged assets:

Ask the probate court for an accounting of estate property and transactions.
File a petition to remove you as personal representative for breach of duty (if you serve in that role).
Bring a civil claim against you for conversion (wrongful taking) or for breach of fiduciary duty, seeking return of the asset or money, damages, and attorney fees.
Seek a surcharge — a court-ordered monetary charge against a personal representative who lost estate assets through improper conduct.
Demand mediation or settlement to avoid litigation.

How courts in Hawaii view these disputes

Hawaii’s probate statutes outline the duties and powers of personal representatives and the procedures for probate disputes. Courts will consider pieces of evidence such as titles, receipts, bank records, whether the sale was reasonably necessary for estate administration, whether you obtained a fair price, and whether proceeds were preserved for the estate.

For an overview of Hawaii’s probate code, see Hawaii Revised Statutes, chapter 560: HRS chapter 560 (Probate). That chapter covers many rules about personal representatives’ powers, duties, and court supervision.

What defenses you can raise

You had authority (letters testamentary or court order) to sell the car.
The sale was in the estate’s best interest (for example, to pay debts or preserve value).
You obtained fair market value and have documentation (ads, appraisals, bill of sale, deposit records).
The car was not an estate asset (joint ownership, transfer on death, or an inter vivos gift).
You used the sale proceeds for estate expenses and can account for them.
You acted in good faith and without intent to defraud heirs or beneficiaries.

Practical consequences and likely outcomes

Outcomes vary by facts and proof. Common results include:

A formal accounting showing the sale was proper — dispute ends without penalty.
A settlement where you reimburse the estate or distribute sale proceeds among beneficiaries.
Removal as personal representative and a surcharge (monetary liability) if the court finds misconduct.
Less commonly, criminal charges if there is clear fraud or theft — most disputes are civil and resolved in probate court.

What you should do now

Collect documentation: title, bill of sale, ad or offer evidence, bank deposit slips showing where proceeds went, and any communications about the sale.
Check whether you had letters testamentary, letters of administration, or a court order authorizing the sale.
If you were a personal representative, prepare a full accounting showing how you managed the asset and proceeds.
Talk with the sibling: sometimes disputes resolve quickly when you explain and share documents or offer an equitable settlement.
If the sibling has filed a petition in probate court, respond through the court process. Missing filings can cause default orders against you.
Consider hiring a probate attorney in Hawaii if the dispute is contested or the amounts are substantial.

Where to get forms and more information in Hawaii

The Hawaii Judiciary posts probate information for self-represented parties and forms that may apply if a probate petition is filed: Hawaii Judiciary — Probate & Guardianship Self-Help.

Disclaimer

This article explains general principles of Hawaii probate law and common outcomes. It is not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. For advice about your specific situation, consult a qualified probate or estate attorney licensed in Hawaii.

Helpful Hints

Keep clear records. A bill of sale and bank deposit showing sale proceeds went to the estate can prevent many disputes.
If you are handling estate property, get court authorization if you are unsure whether you have the power to sell.
Communicate early and transparently with family. A simple explanation and copies of receipts often stop escalation.
If you must sell estate property quickly (for safety, storage costs, or to prevent loss of value), document the reasons and attempts to notify beneficiaries.
Don’t destroy records. Preservation of documentation helps your credibility if a dispute arises.
Act promptly if you receive a petition or notice in probate court — deadlines matter. If you miss a deadline, you could lose the chance to defend yourself.
If you can afford it, get an initial consult with a probate attorney — many offer a limited-scope consultation to assess the strength of any claim against you.