KPRESS LawHawaiʻi Probate
Hawaii Probate Attorney Services & Process
What is Probate in Hawaii?
Probate is a court process of gaining legal authority to access and collect a deceased person's assets. The appointed Personal Representative, after identifying and gathering assets, may pay the decedent's necessary debts and taxes, and thereafter distribute any remaining property to the proper beneficiaries of the estate pursuant to Hawaii probate law.
Whether your loved one had a Last Will and Testament (testate) or passed away without one (intestate), it may be necessary to have a Personal Representative appointed through the Hawaii probate process to handle the estate settlement. Our goal is to make this complex legal journey as smooth and stress-free as possible for your family.
Step 1:
Opening the Estate
- File the required documents with the Hawaii probate court or registrar to open the estate.
- Submit the will (if one exists) for validation by the court.
- If no will is present, proceed under Hawaii's intestacy laws (state rules that decide who inherits).
Step 2:
Appointment of
Personal Representative
- The court or registrar appoints a Personal Representative (executor) with legal authority to manage the estate.
- Our firm oversees this step to ensure it is completed efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
Step 3:
Administration of the Estate
- The Personal Representative identifies, collects, and values all estate assets.
- Valid debts and tax obligations are reviewed and paid from the estate.
Step 4:
Distribution and Closing
- Once debts and taxes are resolved, the remaining assets are distributed to heirs or beneficiaries.
- We prepare the necessary closing documents to close the probate estate, usually through the informal probate process
Guiding Families
Through Probate
Whether you have been advised that a probate is required for your loved one's estate, or you need an ancillary administration to address assets or real property in Hawaii, attorney Victoria Lin Sakamaki brings over 20 years of experience dedicated to probate law and estate settlement.
At KPRESS Law Hawaii, we are an exclusive firm focused on delivering efficient and effective probate solutions. We handle proceedings in Honolulu as well as in the counties of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui.
Our firm assists clients seeking appointment as a personal representative or executor, guiding them through every stage of the probate process—which can vary slightly by county. As your probate counsel, we provide tailored legal advice and comprehensive support in administering the estate and ensuring the proper distribution of assets.
Common Hawaii Probate Terms
Intestate (No Will)
When a person passes away without a valid will. Hawaii state laws will determine who inherits the estate property.
Testate (With Will)
Dying with a valid Last Will and Testament. The property is distributed according to the instructions written in the will.
Personal Representative
Also known as an executor or administrator. This is the person legally appointed by the court to manage and settle the estate.
Ancillary Probate
A secondary probate proceeding used when a non-resident passes away owning property in Hawaii.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why You Should Choose
KPRESS Law as your Hawaii Probate Attorney:
Most law firms also offer services in multiple fields, or at least in practice areas related to probate, such as estate planning.
KPRESS Law, however,
is designed to focus solely on probate cases and ancillary proceedings in order to give such cases priority.
The Goal of KPRESS Law
is to give both the clients and all parties involved a combined experience of efficient administration and prompt, comprehensive resolution of your legal issue, and proper support and guidance to personal representatives.
The Law Office of KPRESS Law
is located in Honolulu, HI, but can service all Hawaii islands. After many years of practice in all areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration, attorney Victoria Sakamaki recognized a need for focused and prioritized service in the probate area.
KPRESS Law seeks to provide that exact extra support and understanding clients need during a time of loss and transition.