Probate in Hawaii | HI Legal Resources | FastCounsel

How can I reopen my father's closed estate in Hawaii so I can be appointed as administrator?

Reopening a Closed Estate in Hawaii and Seeking Appointment as Administrator Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not legal advice. For advice about your specific situation, consult a licensed Hawaii probate attorney. Detailed Answer — How reopening an estate and appointment as administrator work in Hawaii Basic concepts (for readers with no legal […]

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How long does it usually take to admit an out-of-state will to probate in Hawaii (HI)?

Detailed Answer — Timeline to Admit an Out‑of‑State Will to Probate in Hawaii This answer explains how long it typically takes to have a will that was signed in another state admitted to probate in Hawaii. It assumes the decedent had property or residence connections that make Hawaii the appropriate forum for probate. This is […]

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What happens if a survey shows the property was conveyed out of my mother’s estate decades ago and I have no interest? (HI)

Detailed answer Short answer: If a current survey and title search show the property was conveyed out of your mother’s estate decades ago and a valid deed was recorded, most likely you no longer have a legal ownership interest in that parcel. Recorded conveyances generally pass title to the grantee, and long-standing, recorded transfers are […]

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How do I get the probate court’s permission to sell property when the clerk’s office won’t explain filing requirements? (HI)

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. This article explains general Hawaii probate process concepts to help you decide whether to get an attorney or file on your own. Detailed Answer — How to get court authorization to sell estate property in Hawaii If you are handling a decedent’s estate […]

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What steps do I need to follow as executor to sell real property to pay estate debts? (HI)

Detailed Answer — Selling estate real property as an executor in Hawaii Below is a clear, step-by-step explanation of the common process an executor (personal representative) in Hawaii follows when selling real property to pay estate debts. This explains the practical steps you will likely need to take, a short hypothetical to illustrate the steps, […]

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Can I recover personal items that heirs removed from the house before I took possession and enforce the court’s order? (HI)

Can I recover personal items that heirs removed from the house before I took possession and enforce the court’s order? Short answer: Possibly. Under Hawaii law the personal representative (executor/administrator) or a person with a court order can ask the probate court to force heirs to return removed personal property. You can also pursue civil […]

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What Happens to a Safe Deposit Box After Someone Dies in HI?

What happens to a safe deposit box after someone dies in Hawaii? Short answer: When a safe deposit box owner dies in Hawaii, the bank will generally restrict access until it is presented with appropriate legal authority — typically a certified death certificate and the personal representative’s letters (letters testamentary or letters of administration) issued […]

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When Can an Executor Be Removed in HI?

When Can an Executor (Personal Representative) Be Removed in Hawaii? Short answer: Under Hawaii law, a personal representative (commonly called an executor) can be removed by the probate court when they are unfit, incompetent, have breached their fiduciary duties, have mismanaged or wasted estate assets, refuse to perform required duties (including accounting), are conflicted, or […]

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What Is “Probate in Common Form” in Hawaii (HI)?

Detailed answer — How Hawaii treats the idea of “probate in common form” Short answer: Hawaii does not use the North Carolina phrase “probate in common form.” The phrase describes a simplified probate procedure used in some states. Under Hawaii law, probate matters are governed by the Hawaii Probate Code (Hawaii Revised Statutes, Chapter 560) […]

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When Should I Use Solemn Form Probate in HI?

What to Know About Choosing Formal ("Solemn Form") Probate in Hawaii This FAQ explains when a formal or "solemn form" probate process makes sense under Hawaii law, what it involves, and practical steps to take. This is educational information only and is not legal advice. Detailed answer — when to choose solemn (formal) probate in […]

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