These are the questions that come up in nearly every first meeting. The answers are general — your situation may change them — but they should give you a realistic picture of what estate planning in Hawaii involves.
How much does an estate plan cost?+
We quote a flat fee before any work begins, so you know the full cost up front. The figure depends on whether the plan is trust-based, how many properties are involved, and whether there are business interests or blended-family considerations. There are no hourly surprises and the quote includes funding.
How long does the whole process take?+
From first meeting to signed documents is typically three to six weeks, depending largely on how quickly decisions get made. Funding — deed recording and account retitling — usually completes within sixty days after signing.
Do I need to come to your office?+
Our office is in Wailuku and we are glad to meet in person, but initial consultations and design meetings work well by video. We serve families across Maui, Oahu, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Molokai and Lanai, and we regularly work with family members on the mainland.
I already have a plan from another state. Is it still valid?+
Generally a validly executed out-of-state plan remains valid here, but that is not the same as it working well. Hawaii property recording, Land Court, community property questions, and directive forms all differ. If you have moved here, a review is worth the time.
What is probate, exactly?+
It is the court-supervised process of proving a will, appointing someone to administer the estate, paying debts and taxes, and transferring what remains to the heirs. It is public, it takes months, and it costs money — all of which a funded trust avoids.
Is my estate large enough to owe estate tax?+
Hawaii has its own estate tax with a lower exemption than the federal one, so some families who owe nothing federally still have a Hawaii filing. Thresholds change, and for most of our clients the answer is no — but for homeowners with long-held property it is worth actually checking rather than assuming.
Should I add my child to my deed?+
Almost never. It exposes the property to that child’s creditors and any divorce, it may be a taxable gift, and it forfeits a capital gains step-up that can be worth a great deal in Hawaii. There is nearly always a better structure that achieves the same goal.
What if a family member has a disability and receives benefits?+
An outright inheritance can disqualify them from needs-based benefits. A properly drafted special needs trust lets you provide for them without that consequence. Tell us early — it changes the design of the whole plan.
Can you help if someone has already passed away?+
Yes. We assist successor trustees with trust administration and families with probate, including situations where title has not been settled for a generation or more.
What should I bring to the first meeting?+
Whatever you have — a rough list of what you own, any existing documents, and questions. Nothing is required. Our estate planning checklist is a useful starting point if you want one.
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.