Why a Missing Will Shook the Zappos Empire—and How to Avoid the Same Fate in Hawaiʻi
- Keoni
- May 22
- 3 min read
Imagine creating an empire, revitalizing communities, and building a legacy — only to have it all unravel after you're gone because of one missing document.
That’s the real-life story of Tony Hsieh, the late CEO of Zappos, who passed away in 2020 without a known will. Or so everyone thought. Nearly five years later, a will dated 2015 unexpectedly appeared, turning years of probate proceedings upside down.
For families here in Honolulu and across Hawaiʻi, this case is more than headline news — it’s a wake-up call. What went wrong and how could the right estate plan prevented the chaos?
When a Will Is Too Little, Too Late
The newly surfaced will, found in the belongings of a man who’d suffered from Alzheimer’s, includes confusing language and raises eyebrows — especially with a no-contest clause targeting Hsieh’s own family and naming unfamiliar executors.
Even if the will is legitimate, its sudden appearance years later adds layers of legal and emotional turmoil. The takeaway? Estate planning should never be a one-time task or a buried document.
Common Pitfalls of Traditional Estate Planning
A will alone — even one drafted by an attorney — often falls short. Here's how traditional planning can fail you:
No system to store or share documents with loved ones
No guidance for what to do after you pass
No asset inventory or updates when life changes
No relationship with a trusted local attorney who knows your wishes
Hsieh’s case underscores how even massive wealth can’t shield your family from conflict when estate planning is treated as a checkbox, not a conversation.
How Estate Planning in Honolulu Can Go Right
As a Honolulu-based estate planning attorney, I help Hawaiʻi families go beyond generic wills. My Life & Legacy Planning process includes:
A Comprehensive Asset Inventory
From real estate in Kāneʻohe to a small business in Kakaʻako, every asset is documented — and updated — so nothing slips through the cracks.
Ongoing Reviews
Life changes, and so should your plan. Whether you're moving from Hilo to Honolulu or welcoming a new child, your estate plan stays current.
Trusted Legal Support
Your loved ones will know exactly who to call. I work closely with clients — and their families — so there's no mystery or confusion when the time comes.
Personal Wishes & Values
Your legacy is more than wealth. I help you pass on your stories, values, and vision to the next generation.
Why This Matters in Hawaiʻi
In Hawaiʻi, where property often stays in families for generations and ʻohana is everything, the emotional and financial cost of poor planning can be even more profound. Court battles over real estate, family tension, and uncertainty can all be avoided with the right plan in place.
FAQs
Q: Do I need more than a will if I live in Hawaiʻi?
Typically, yes. A will alone may lead your family through a lengthy probate process. A full estate plan that includes a trust can help you avoid that.
Q: How often should I update my estate plan?
Ideally, every 2–3 years, or after any major life event — like a birth, death, marriage, move, or significant asset purchase.
Q: Can you help my family across multiple islands?
Absolutely. I work with clients across all Hawaiian Islands through virtual meetings, making estate planning easy and accessible wherever you are.
Ready to Avoid the Chaos?
Tony Hsieh’s story is a cautionary tale — but it doesn’t have to be yours. I help Honolulu families create estate plans that work when needed most, giving you peace of mind today and a secure legacy tomorrow.
📍 Based in Honolulu | Serving all of Hawaiʻi
📅 Schedule your Family Wealth Planning Session here
📞 You can reach us at 808-725-3454
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 Family Wealth Planning Session. Mention this article to learn how you can receive this $750 session at no charge.
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.
