You do not need to have any of this finished before you talk to us — a first conversation costs you nothing and we will tell you what actually applies to your situation. But families who arrive with a rough picture of the following tend to move faster and spend less.
What you own
- Real property — every parcel, on every island and on the mainland, with an idea of how each is titled
- Bank and credit union accounts, and who is named on them
- Investment and brokerage accounts
- Retirement accounts — 401(k), IRA, pension, deferred compensation
- Life insurance policies and annuities, with current beneficiary designations
- Business interests, and whether an operating or partnership agreement exists
- Vehicles, boats, and titled equipment
- Meaningful personal property — heirlooms, collections, tools, instruments
- Digital assets — domains, online accounts, cryptocurrency, photo archives
What you owe
- Mortgages and home equity lines
- Personal and business loans, and any personal guarantees
- Outstanding taxes or liens
Who matters
- Spouse or partner, and whether either of you has been married before
- Children — including from prior relationships, adopted, and hānai
- Grandchildren
- Anyone who depends on you financially, including parents
- A family member with a disability who receives, or may need, public benefits
- Charities or community organizations you would want to include
Who you would trust
- Successor trustee — the person who manages the plan if you cannot
- Personal representative — who handles anything passing through your estate
- Financial agent under a power of attorney
- Health care agent under an advance directive
- Guardian for minor children, and a separate person to manage their money
- At least one alternate for each of the above
What you already have
- Any existing will, trust, power of attorney or directive — and where the originals are
- Deeds for your property, if you have copies
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Divorce decrees and property settlement agreements
- Any prior estate plan from another state
Questions worth thinking about
- If you were unable to make decisions tomorrow, who would step in — and would they know what to do?
- Is there a property you want to stay in the family, and is that realistic given taxes and upkeep?
- Are there children whose circumstances differ enough that equal shares would not feel fair?
- Is there anything you would want said, or explained, that a legal document cannot carry?
This resource is general information about Hawaii law and is not legal advice. It does not create an attorney–client relationship. Outcomes depend on the specific facts of your situation — please speak with us or another qualified attorney before acting.