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Many couples in Hawaiʻi share homes, finances, and a lifetime of memories without ever marrying. But under Hawaiʻi law, those relationships aren’t automatically recognized. If something happens to you, your partner could lose access to your home, savings, or even the right to make medical decisions on your behalf. Through my Life & Legacy Planning®  process, I help Honolulu couples ensure their wishes are honored and their partners are legally protected — no matter what life

From October 20–26, 2025, families across Hawaiʻi will join others nationwide in recognizing Estate Planning Awareness Week — a reminder that the most loving thing you can do for your ʻohana is to plan ahead. While many think of “estate planning” as piles of legal documents, it’s far more than that. True planning isn’t just about wills or trusts — it’s about protecting your loved ones, passing down your values, and ensuring your family can navigate life’s hardest moments with

When someone you love dies, grief is heavy enough. Add legal confusion, frozen bank accounts, and court paperwork — and even the most organized ʻohana can feel overwhelmed. That’s exactly what happens to many families across Hawaiʻi when there isn’t a clear plan (or a guide) in place. Below are true-to-life scenarios that show how easily things can go sideways — and why working with the right lawyer in Honolulu can spare your loved ones unnecessary stress, expense, and confli