Estate Planning Insights – WILLS, TRUSTS AND PRIVACY (PART 2)
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
In last month’s issue, we discussed the privacy of wills and trusts while a person is living. In this issue, we will focus on the privacy of wills and trusts...
Estate Planning Insights – WILLS, TRUSTS AND PRIVACY (PART 1)
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
In this column, let’s compare the privacy of wills with the privacy of trusts while you are living. The attorney who prepares either document – and the attorney’s paralegal or...
Estate Planning Insights – YOUR CAR: ASSET OR LIABILITY?
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
Just about every family owns a car; many families own more than one. You may have wondered whether your car should be owned by your revocable living trust or whether...
Estate Planning Insights – THE REVERSE MORTGAGE (PART 2)
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
Last month, I explained the reverse mortgage. I advised that if you need money and if leaving an inheritance is not a concern, a reverse mortgage may be a good...
Estate Planning Insights – THE REVERSE MORTGAGE
Is It for You?
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
A client recently asked me whether or not it’s a good idea to get a reverse mortgage. Before I answer that question, let me explain how a...
Estate Planning Insights – PROBATE AND REAL ESTATE SALES
It Need Not Take Years to Complete Probate
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
Sometimes the sale of a house, condo or vacant lot is delayed because of probate problems. The need for a probate does not...
Estate Planning Insights – THE DISCLAIMER
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
A Disclaimer is a tool used in estate planning. It can be useful to reduce estate taxes or gift taxes. I will explain what it is and how it works...
Estate Planning Insights – UNDERSTANDING PROBATE
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
Probate is a court proceeding that is necessary in Hawai‘i when a person dies owning any real estate in his or her name alone. Probate is also required when the...
Estate Planning Insights – WHAT TO DO WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES
A Helpful List of To-do’s for an Especially Difficult Time
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
When a family member dies, it can be quite stressful. Not only is there grief, but there are so many things...
Estate Planning Insights – WILLS, TRUSTS AND FAMILY FIGHTS (PART 3)
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
For the last two months, this column has focused on children fighting over property when their parents die. We discussed the importance of communication. Especially if the inheritance going to...