Hawaii Order Setting Hearing on Petition for Adjudication of Intestacy, Determination of Heirs and Formal Appointment of Personal Representative

The time it takes to get probate or letters of administration varies according to the circumstances. It may only take three to five weeks if there are no complications, inheritance tax is not payable, the estate is straightforward and all forms are filled in properly.

Normally, one or more of the executors named in the will applies for the grant of probate. Otherwise (if the person died without a will or the will did not appoint executors) a beneficiary or relative can be the administrator and can apply for letters of administration.

There are no federal probate laws. Probate in Hawaii is necessary when a person dies owning any real estate in his or her name alone, no matter how small the value of the real estate. Probate is also required when the total value of all personal property owned in his or her name alone is worth more than $100,000.

Typically, it takes four to six weeks after the decedent's death to appoint an executor or administrator. Even in the most routine probates, the law requires a minimum four-month wait after the Notice to Creditors has been issued before any action can be taken to distribute or close the estate.

Appointment of Executor or Administrator In the absence of a will, the court appoints an administrator for the estate, typically the next of kin. Completion of the executor or administrator appointment takes about six to eight weeks once the executor files the petition or the court makes a selection.

Adjudication of Intestacy Effectively, this opens a probate, but no personal representative is appointed.If no heirs contest the adjudication of intestacy, then the property transfers without any additional deed to the named heirs as set forth in the petition for the adjudication of intestacy.

To be appointed executor or personal representative, file a petition at the probate court in the county where your loved one was living before they died. In the absence of a will, heirs must petition the court to be appointed administrator of the estate.

If you die intestate and unmarried in Hawaii, then your entire estate will first pass along to any surviving children in equal shares. If you have no surviving children but do have surviving grandchildren, the estate goes to them.