Losing a loved one is one of the hardest things that any family will go through. With a team of Hawaii probate attorneys on your side, you can rest assured that your family’s legal concerns are being taken care of, so you can be there for the people who matter to you most.
At the Hawaii law offices of Diehl & Weger, we are ready to guide you through the estate administration or Hawaii probate process. Sharing over sixty years of legal experience, our attorneys understand the challenges you face and the options you have available. And as a small law firm, your case will be handled directly by an attorney from start to finish.
- Opening the estate: We start the process by filing for a formal or informal Hawaii probate proceeding. We will also collect the names and addresses of direct relatives in order to notify them of the probate process. If there is no will, we file for intestate probate.
- Appointing a personal representative: The court appoints a personal representative to administer the estate, sell and transfer property, make expenditures, pay taxes and sign probate documents.
- Gathering of assets and preparation of the inventory: The first financial duty of the personal representative is to establish an estate checking account and a separate tax identification number for the estate. He or she must also prepare a list of all assets, including savings accounts, real estate, 401ks and life insurance.
- Notifying and paying creditors: You are required to give notice to all creditors of the decedent. We will help you do this by publication, as well as providing written notice to all known creditors.
- Determining and paying taxes: Estates are subject to both estate and income tax. We can determine whether any tax returns are required and prepare them for you as needed.
- Distribution and closing of the estate: Once all taxes and creditors are paid, we can begin the process of closing the estate. By taking a closer look at your specific estate plan, we will help you come up with a distribution plan tailored to the needs of your family.
This is only a brief guide to how the Hawaii estate administration process works. Every family faces unique challenges and it is our job to help your family find unique solutions. From our offices in Honolulu, an attorney will handle every aspect of your case.