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When people think about estate planning, they often focus on who will receive their assets. Just as important, though, is how those assets will be taxed after death. For families in Honolulu and throughout Hawaiʻi, understanding the tax treatment of inherited assets can mean the difference between preserving wealth and unintentionally shrinking it. The rules vary depending on the type of asset, the size of the estate, and current tax laws. Thoughtful planning now can signifi

You own your home — maybe it’s your most valuable asset. Perhaps you’ve seen articles or videos explaining how a “Lady Bird Deed” can help you avoid probate and protect your property for your children. It sounds simple. Inexpensive. Efficient. There’s just one problem. Hawaiʻi does not recognize Lady Bird Deeds. Before you rely on advice that may work in states like Florida or Texas, it’s important to understand how real estate planning actually works here in Honolulu and acr

One of the most common questions I hear from families in Honolulu is this: If I pass away with debt, does my family have to pay it? The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. Whether debt follows you after death depends on several factors — including the type of debt, how assets are owned, and whether anyone else is legally tied to those obligations. Understanding how debt works after death is a critical part of estate planning in Hawaiʻi, especially if your goal is to protect the