Estate Planning Awareness Week: Give Your ʻOhana the Gift of Peace of Mind

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 clarity and support.

Yet despite how essential it is, most families remain unprepared. A 2024 survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will, leaving countless families vulnerable to court delays, costly mistakes, and conflict during their most difficult times.

Estate Planning Is About People — Not Paperwork

Here in Honolulu, I often hear people say, “I already have my documents done.” But a true Life & Legacy Plan is more than signed papers — it’s a roadmap that ensures your loved ones are cared for and guided when the time comes.

Without a plan, your family may struggle to find key documents, access bank accounts, or even make healthcare decisions. But with the right plan in place, your loved ones will know exactly what to do — and who to turn to — so they can focus on healing, not paperwork.

Estate planning is ultimately about passing on your values and your voice, not just your valuables. It’s your chance to share stories, traditions, and wisdom with the people you love most — ensuring your legacy lives on in the hearts of your ʻohana.

What Happens When You Don’t Plan

Many Honolulu residents believe they “don’t have enough” to need an estate plan. But estate planning isn’t about wealth — it’s about people. If you love someone, you need a plan.

Families without a plan often face frozen accounts, long court processes, and painful disagreements. Even well-meaning “DIY” plans can fail if they’re outdated or incomplete.

When this happens, your loved ones may spend months — or even years — sorting through confusion instead of sharing comfort and connection.

That’s why Estate Planning Awareness Week exists — to remind us that planning isn’t a one-time event, but an ongoing act of care.

How to Create a Plan That Truly Works

At the Law Office of Keoni Souza, we guide Honolulu families through the Life & Legacy Planning® process — a people-centered approach that focuses on more than documents.

Your plan begins with a Life & Legacy Planning Session, where you’ll learn what would happen to your assets and loved ones if something happened to you today. Together, we’ll clarify your goals, identify gaps, and design a plan that protects your family’s future — while reflecting your unique values and relationships.

Our plans include:

• An up-to-date inventory of your assets

• Clear instructions for loved ones

• Built-in reviews to keep your plan current as life, the law, or your assets change

This proactive, relationship-based approach ensures your family will always have a trusted guide here in Hawaiʻi — someone who knows you, your story, and your wishes.

Your Next Step Starts Now

This Estate Planning Awareness Week, take the step too many put off until it’s too late.

Our Life & Legacy Planning Process helps you protect your family, organize your finances, and ensure your plan works exactly as you intend. You’ll gain peace of mind knowing that your loved ones — and your legacy — are in good hands.

FAQs

1. Do I need an estate plan if I already have a will?

Yes. A will is only one part of a complete estate plan. It doesn’t avoid probate or provide protection during your lifetime. A comprehensive plan also includes a trust, health care directives, and powers of attorney.

2. Why is it important to work with a Hawaiʻi-based estate planning attorney?

Every state has its own laws governing trusts, probate, and property transfers — and Hawaiʻi is no exception. From our unique Land Court system to local property and tax rules, planning with a Hawaiʻi-based attorney ensures your documents are properly drafted, recorded, and fully effective under state law. It also means your plan will reflect the values and traditions that matter most to local families.

3. How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review your plan annually and update it every few years or after major life events — such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or purchasing property.

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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session.

Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.