by Ethan Okura | May 6, 2014 | Articles
As of April 17th 2014, Governor Abercrombie signed a bill into law establishing the new Uniform Power of Attorney Act. It may be a little confusing to people because there already was a Hawaii law allowing powers of attorney, and the old law was called the...
by Ethan Okura | Apr 7, 2014 | Articles, Asset Protection, Estate Taxes and Gift Taxes
“’Tis impossible to be sure of anything but Death and Taxes.” – Christopher Bullock (Cobbler of Preston) Last month I addressed the serious topic of Death and the disposition of your remains. On an only slightly brighter note, this month’s article is focused on...
by Ethan Okura | Mar 7, 2014 | Articles, Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives, Trusts and Wills
“Thou know’st ’tis common; all that lives must die, Passing through nature to eternity.” -William Shakespeare (Hamlet) Death. This is a difficult topic to think about. Most of us spend most of our lives enjoying work, hobbies,...
by Ethan Okura | Feb 8, 2014 | Articles, Estate Taxes and Gift Taxes, Medicaid and Nursing Home Costs
Here is a 2014 update on important numbers used in Estate Planning and Medicaid Planning in Hawaii. How much money and property can a person have at death without paying estate taxes? A little over one year ago, Congress passed a law making the exemption from...
by Ethan Okura | Jan 5, 2014 | Articles, Asset Protection, Trusts and Wills
Last month I wrote about the pitfalls of giving your home away without protecting yourself. We came to the conclusion that if you think you have 5 years of good health when you can still live at home before you might need nursing home care, it can be a good idea to...
