How Can a Potential Heir Be Appointed as Administrator When the Decedent Left No Will in Hawaii?
Detailed Answer In Hawaii, when a person dies without a valid will, the estate is considered intestate. The court appoints an administrator—also called a personal representative—to manage the estate under the Hawaii Uniform Probate Code (HRS Chapter 560). Determine Eligible Heirs and Appointment Priority HRS §560:3-202 sets out who may serve as administrator. The court […]
Read article →What documentation is needed to freeze or secure the decedent’s bank accounts when co-heirs refuse to cooperate? (HI)
Detailed Answer When a decedent passes away and co-heirs refuse to cooperate, freezing bank accounts can prevent unauthorized withdrawals and protect estate assets. In Hawaii, you typically must seek court approval and provide specific documentation to secure these accounts. Below is an overview of the key steps and required documents under Hawaii law. 1. Certified […]
Read article →How are real property and personal assets identified, inventoried, and distributed under intestacy law in HI?
Disclaimer: This article provides educational information about Hawaii intestacy law and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer Identifying and Inventorying Assets When someone dies without a will in Hawaii, the court appoints an administrator to gather and inventory all assets. The administrator must locate: Real Property: Land, homes, condominiums, and any structures. These assets […]
Read article →What options exist to secure missing estate documents from uncooperative institutions in Hawaii?
Detailed Answer If an institution in Hawaii refuses to turn over estate-related records—such as bank statements, safe deposit box contents, insurance policies, or retirement account documents—you have several legal tools to secure those materials. Below are the most common and effective options available under Hawaii law. 1. Send an Informal Demand Letter Begin by sending […]
Read article →What Type of Deed Should Heirs Sign to Convey Their Interests in Property in Hawaii, and How Is It Recorded?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii for advice on your specific situation. Detailed Answer 1. Type of Deed When heirs inherit real property in Hawaii through probate, they typically convey their interests using one of the following deeds: Executor’s Deed – […]
Read article →How Can a Client Verify Creditor Notice Was Satisfied in a Hawaii Estate to Rely on the Two-Year Rule?
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Detailed Answer: Verifying Creditor Notice in Hawaii Estates Under Hawaii law, a personal representative must notify creditors of an estate both by mail and by publication. To trigger the two-year bar on claims, these notice requirements must be satisfied. Here’s how […]
Read article →What steps are needed to bring real property into the estate to pay claims under Hawaii law
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in Hawaii for guidance on your situation. Detailed Answer: Bringing Real Property into a Hawaii Probate Estate When a decedent owned real property solely in their name, the property does not transfer automatically to heirs or creditors. […]
Read article →Can I Seek Reimbursement from the Estate for Paying the Funeral Bill in HI?
Detailed Answer This article explains how Hawaii law treats funeral expenses when paid by a third party and whether you can seek reimbursement from the decedent’s probate estate. This is not legal advice; consult an attorney for your situation. 1. Priority of Funeral Expenses Under Hawaii’s Uniform Probate Code, funeral expenses enjoy a high priority […]
Read article →How Can an Administrator Verify Full Satisfaction of a Vehicle Loan in Hawaii?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For guidance specific to your situation, consult a licensed attorney. Detailed Answer: How to Verify Full Satisfaction of a Vehicle Loan in Hawaii When an administrator (for example, a personal representative of an estate) handles the payoff of a vehicle loan, […]
Read article →How does an incomplete or missing marriage certificate affect a surviving spouse’s allowance claim in Hawaii?
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a qualified attorney for guidance on your specific situation. Detailed Answer Under Hawaii’s Probate Code, a surviving spouse may petition the probate court for a family allowance—an amount set aside to support the spouse and minor children during estate […]
Read article →