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...
Estate Planning Insights – WILLS, TRUSTS, AND FAMILY FIGHTS – PART 2
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
Last month, we discussed why children sometimes fight over money or property after their parents die. We discussed the advantages of letting your children know who will get what, so...
Estate Planning Insights – WILLS, TRUSTS AND FAMILY FIGHTS (PART 1)
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
I left the New York City, big law-firm life back in 2005 to come home to Hawai‘i and start specializing in estate planning law. This was just one year after...
Estate Planning Insights – STEPPED-UP BASIS
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
To plan your estate properly, it is important to understand “stepped-up basis.” When you buy property (for example, real estate or stocks) your tax basis in the property is the...
Estate Planning Insights – ENTRUSTING YOUR TRUST
Fiduciaries in Your Estate-Planning Documents
Ethan R. Okura
Hawai‘i Herald Columnist
When you sign an estate-planning document such as a revocable living trust or a will, you appoint someone to handle your assets for you. The person...
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