How to submit an affidavit accounting for personal property in a small estate case (HI)
Detailed Answer Short answer: In Hawaii, you generally prepare an affidavit that lists the decedent, identifies the claimant(s), and itemizes the decedent’s personal (non‑real) property and its estimated value. You sign it under oath, have it notarized, and present it either to the holder of the property (for example, a bank or vehicle registry) or […]
Read article →What records are needed to show asset transfers under Hawaii (HI) small estate procedures?
FAQ: Records Needed to Show Asset Transfers Under Hawaii Small Estate Procedures Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer. This article explains general information about Hawaii small estate procedures and the typical records that institutions and courts ask for. This is educational only and not legal advice. Consult a licensed Hawaii attorney for advice about a […]
Read article →How do I value collectibles like Pokémon cards when preparing my estate paperwork in HI?
Detailed Answer Short answer: To value collectibles such as Pokémon cards when preparing estate paperwork in Hawaii, create a careful inventory, document provenance and condition (including any professional grading), research recent comparable market sales, and—if the collection has significant value—obtain one or more written appraisals from qualified appraisers. Keep records showing the fair market value […]
Read article →What are the legal requirements and process for transferring a decedent’s firearms during probate in Hawaii (HI)?
FAQ: How are a decedent’s firearms transferred during probate in Hawaii? Short answer Under Hawaii law, firearms owned by a person who dies are treated as part of the decedent’s personal property and are administered through the probate process. The personal representative (executor or administrator) must follow probate procedures and applicable Hawaii firearms statutes, ensure […]
Read article →How to Protect Life Insurance Proceeds in Hawaii (HI) When No Beneficiary Is Named from Creditor Claims During Estate Administration
Protecting Life Insurance Proceeds in Hawaii When No Beneficiary Is Named Disclaimer: This is general information, not legal advice. Consult a licensed Hawaii attorney about your specific situation. Detailed answer — what happens and how to protect proceeds If a life insurance policy has no living, valid beneficiary named at the insured’s death, most insurers […]
Read article →What should I do if an heir refuses to return estate property and the estate is still open — HI
Detailed Answer Short answer: If an heir is refusing to return property that belongs to an estate while the estate is still open in Hawaii, you should first work through the personal representative (executor/administrator). If that does not resolve the situation, ask the probate court to compel turnover or to enforce the personal representative’s duties. […]
Read article →Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? (HI)
Can I become the personal representative of my sister's estate? Short answer Yes — you may be able to serve as your sister's personal representative (sometimes called executor or administrator) under Hawaii law, but whether you will be appointed depends on two main things: whether your sister left a valid will naming someone, and who […]
Read article →What options do heirs have when an estate administrator is unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets? (HI)
Detailed Answer — How heirs can respond when an estate administrator is unresponsive or refuses to distribute assets under Hawaii law When a personal representative (also called an estate administrator or executor) stops communicating, refuses to distribute assets, or otherwise fails to perform duties, heirs and beneficiaries have several legal remedies under Hawaii law. Below […]
Read article →How do I apply to be appointed as the personal representative of a deceased relative’s estate? (HI)
Applying to Be Appointed Personal Representative of a Deceased Relative’s Estate in Hawaii Brief answer: To apply to be appointed the personal representative (executor or administrator) in Hawaii, you (1) determine whether probate is required, (2) identify the correct court and required forms, (3) prepare and file a petition for probate or administration with the […]
Read article →How Can Heirs Petition the Court to Reopen a Closed Estate to Claim Unclaimed Assets in Hawaii?
Detailed Answer When a probate estate closes in Hawaii, heirs sometimes discover assets that the personal representative did not identify. Hawaii law lets eligible persons petition the court to reopen the estate to claim these assets. This process relies on the court’s authority under Hawaii Revised Statutes (HRS) §560:3-130 (link). 1. Determine Eligibility Under HRS […]
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